The James Harden-era in Houston may have reached its breaking point with the superstar expressing his displeasure after a loss to the Lakers and the Rockets are “sifting through offers” for the former MVP, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic. The franchise could move quickly on a deal.
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The Nets have prepared a package for Harden that would include four first-round picks and three pick swaps, which is essentially all the picks that Brooklyn can offer because of the Stepien Rule. Joining Kevin Durant’s squad would be the preferred landing spot for Harden, Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated hears.
Brooklyn would still need to send out players for salary-matching purposes and it’s hard to envision Caris LeVert not heading to Houston in such a scenario. There was an earlier report indicating that the Rockets may not move Harden without receiving Kyrie Irving in a deal, though it’s hard to envision the Nets or Rockets coming to terms on a trade that involves the point guard, who remains away from the team.
According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Rockets are thrilled with the Nets’ set of players that would have to be included in the deal. Bringing in a third team could be the answer.
The Sixers remain in the mix, as Charania and Amick report. Houston has pursued a package headlined by Ben Simmons, though it’s not clear if Philadelphia will move its former No. 1 overall pick. Matisse Thybulle is another player Houston has its eyes on.
Harden didn’t practice on Wednesday with Rockets coach Stephen Silas telling reporters that it was “best for the group and for James” that he wasn’t there.
Stay tuned.
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