The Rockets have had ongoing trade discussions centered on star guard James Harden with more than six teams, a league source told Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Harden is being kept abreast of the Rockets’ options in talks, MacMahon added.
Multiple reports say Harden requested a trade before the season. Per MacMahon, Harden spoke directly with Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta, expressing a desire to be moved to a contender.
While MacMahon didn’t specify which teams the Rockets are currently speaking with, Harden previously has been linked to the Nets, Heat, Bucks, Trail Blazers and 76ers, among a few others.
In exchange for Harden, the Rockets are telling opposing teams they are seeking a “young franchise cornerstone” and first-round picks and/or talented players on rookie contracts, MacMahon reported, citing sources.
Harden seemed to make his trade request public following the Rockets’ blowout loss to the Lakers on Tuesday.
“We’re just not good enough. Chemistry, talent-wise. And it was clear these last few games,” Harden told reporters. “I love this city. I’ve literally done everything I can. This situation is crazy. I don’t think it can be fixed. Thanks.”
MacMahon said during an appearance on SportsCenter that Harden is correct when he says the Rockets have not resembled a contender.
“Now, I think part of that reason is because James Harden doesn’t look anything close to an MVP candidate right now,” MacMahon said. “This is the lowest five-game scoring stretch of his career. So, yeah, the Rockets have lost four of five.
“But he wanted out before, and his point was that they’re not good enough to compete for a championship. He believes that’s been proven accurate in these first few weeks of the season. He wanted out before, he really wants out now. Obviously, he’s trying to turn up the heat on the Houston front office.”
The Rockets’ 3-6 record is their worst through nine games with Harden.
“The situation is crazy in that it’s been a chaotic year,” MacMahon added. “Things tend to be chaotic when you’re in the middle of a pandemic and the superstar who you’ve built the franchise around decides to go party in Atlanta instead of report to training camp because he’s holding out, because he wants a trade.
“So that’s kind of a chaotic way to begin (new coach Stephen Silas‘) tenure with the team. Yeah the situation around him is crazy. He’s the one who has stirred up a lot of the chaos.”
New Rockets guard John Wall admitted he and Harden have yet to develop chemistry.
“It’s been a little rocky,” Wall told the media. “I don’t think it’s been the best, that’s all I can say.”
Wall also said there is no questioning the Rockets’ effort.
“He’s talking to his own opinion,” Wall said of Harden. “I can’t know what he thinks about the team or what he feels like we are. I know how much hard work these guys put in … to try to get better every day. I know how much work I put into it to get back and compete at a high level.”
- Related | Rockets team page at FortyEightMinutes
