:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67800889/usa_today_12663453.5.jpg)
Rockets star James Harden has continued to signal that he would like to move on from Houston. Following previous reports about discontent in the Rockets’ organization, The Athletic’s Shams Charania revealed that Harden is interested forcing a trade to the Nets or 76ers.
Rockets star James Harden wants to be on a contender elsewhere, and Brooklyn and Philadelphia are believed to be his top desired trade destinations, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020
Houston is fully comfortable keeping Harden and Russell Westbrook into the season.
Both destinations that Charania mentioned would offer Harden a reunion with a former member of the Rockets organization. In Philadelphia, Daryl Morey is the new President of Basketball Operations for the Sixers. In Brooklyn, Mike D’Antoni is part of Steve Nash’s newly-formed coaching staff.
Harden won the 2017-18 NBA MVP award. Last season, Harden’s 34.3 points per game average topped the NBA’s statistical leaderboard.
Update:
The Nets and Rockets are apparently engaged in a symbolic tug-o’-war over the scoring star, per multiple media sources, with Harden angling for Brooklyn and the Rockets trying to keep him.
Sources: After turning down an extension offer to become the first $50M a year player in league history, James Harden’s message to Houston is clear: Get me to Brooklyn. Rockets and Nets have been in contact, but there’s been no meaningful dialogue. https://t.co/qwJOQOxz5U
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 17, 2020
The Rockets, at this juncture, remain intent on keeping James Harden and trying to rebuild the team's relationship with him despite reports of Harden's growing discontent, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 17, 2020