James Harden is willing to expand his wish list of potential Houston Rockets trade partners to more than just the Brooklyn Nets, according to an ESPN report.
Harden did show up for COVID-19 testing Tuesday after holding out the first part of training camp as he seeks a trade. Word is, his preference is to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving with the Nets. But per ESPN, that list has expended to other contenders, including the Philadelphia 76ers.
Former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is in his first season as the 76ers’ president of basketball operations.
“After it was clear there was no traction in talks with the Nets, Harden expressed to the Rockets that he would be agreeable if a trade with the 76ers materialized,” ESPN reported. “Harden also indicated that other teams could fit his criteria for a preferred destination, a source said.”
The Sixers do not want to part with either center Joel Embiid or guard/forward Ben Simmons, per ESPN.
Meanwhile, Rockets GM Rafael Stone is determined to hang on to Harden if Stone doesn’t find an offer to his liking.
