Former NBA MVP James Harden’s list of preferred trading destinations has reportedly expanded.
In addition to the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, the eight-time All-Star would also be open to joining the Milwaukee Bucks and intense heat, after The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Harden is under contract with the Houston Rockets for at least two more years, including a $ 41 million salary that season.
Missile trading activity
After the departure of General Manager Daryl Morey and trainer Mike D’Antoni, Harden and former MVP colleagues Russell Westbrook demanded trades from the Rockets in the off-season. Westbrook’s motion was approved in a deal that returned John Wall and a heavily protected future first-round draft pick.
When Houston’s training camp opened, Harden was only on Instagram. He posted pictures from rapper Lil Baby’s birthday party in Atlanta. Multiple videos Then he was caught partying in Las Vegas that same day The NBA announced a ban through players visiting bars, clubs, and live entertainment venues; or through indoor gatherings of 15 or more people. This breach of league rules led Harden to an expanded test protocol when he got to camp late Tuesday. He still has to take the courtyard with the missiles.
Houston Rockets star James Harden was at training camp. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
The new coach Stephen Silas has asked questions about Harden’s absence from the camp, although little more than a “Hi thereIn the communication between the two. After Westbrook and starter Robert Covington’s deals weakened his roster, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta insisted that his team “didn’t do anything but got better in the off-seasonand added his hope that Harden would win a title in Houston.
Is a Harden Trade Realistic?
The missiles do not have to comply with Harden’s request, nor do they have to get him to any of his preferred targets. Although his misfortune could have a profound negative impact on Houston’s locker room or that of other potential applicants. This seriously limits the market for the three-time scoring champion who should make a hefty return without public knowledge of his trade request and list of preferred targets.
The story goes on
So far trade discussions have taken place between the missiles and nets According to reports stalled, and Morey – who left Houston to become Philadelphia’s president for basketball operations – According to reports prefers to keep young stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, who would both need to be on the table to close a deal for Harden. Neither the bucks nor the heat have a young star at this level to build a legitimate trade.
Then the question arises, should teams want Harden for what it could cost them? The Rockets have adapted to his needs for the past eight years, with cycling stars Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Westbrook around him. Harden’s style of play clashed with everyone. Houston built a roster and offensive to maximize Harden’s remarkable offensive strength, and the Rockets consistently exceeded playoff expectations except for one run in 2018 for the seventh game of the Western Conference final.
In return, Houston received a trade request, a holdout from the warehouse, and this expanded list of claims.
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Ben Rohrbach works for Yahoo Sports. Do you have a tip? Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
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