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James Harden of the Houston Rockets doubled down on his rumored trade request in his postgame press conference following Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers. Harden’s comments are preceded by a well-documented saga that has captured headlines since the outset of the 2020-21 season.
Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610, a Houston-based station, shared a video of Harden’s quotes just before leaving the stand—mentioning that Harden’s remarks felt like a clear push for a trade.
This is how James Harden walked off the podium tonight. It sounded like a farewell pic.twitter.com/fnY2h6dnHP
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) January 13, 2021
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that the Rockets have not found a trade destination for Harden. The lack of movement on the trade front is likely tied to Houston’s hefty asking price for the former NBA MVP.
James Harden's aware that the Rockets are continuing to discuss trade scenarios with teams, although no deal is imminent, sources tell ESPN. Houston's asking price remains steep, as you'd expect it would for a player of Harden's caliber. https://t.co/I4RuHgzcvU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
Harden is averaging 23.8 points per game so far this season, his lowest point total since joining the Rockets in the 2012-13 season. In the three seasons prior to 2020-21, Harden led the NBA in scoring. Entering the year, Harden has earned an All-Star Game nod in eight consecutive seasons.
The Trail Blazers are rumored to be on Harden’s list of desirable destinations.