Despite all the noise, James Harden could be joining the Houston Rockets in training camp soon. Perhaps as soon as Monday, in fact, according to coach Stephen Silas.
Harden is currently undergoing a series of COVID-19 tests, which must be performed before players join a team in camp.
“When he’s done with the protocol, he’ll be in practice,” Silas told reporters.
Harden has been at the center of endless trade speculation, as he’s reportedly still looking to move on from the Rockets. One reported suggested the hiring of Silas is behind Harden’s desire for a trade.
While it doesn’t appear that Harden has anything against Silas personally, it seems the star guard is the Rockets didn’t hire his first choice. That reportedly was John Lucas, a player development coach under former coach Mike D’Antoni. Lucas remains in a similar position today.
Rockets newcomer John Wall told the media that Harden has actually gone through an individual workout with Lucas.
Meanwhile, The Athletic reported that Harden has expanded his “wish list” of potential trade destinations to include the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. He has previously been linked to the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, but a trade involving either of those destinations seems unlikely.
