The Houston Rockets know that James Harden wants out of Houston. That was made clear when he not only requested a trade, but also turned down a an extension offer to become the first $50 million a year player in league history.
Multiple media reports have suggested that All-Star guard James Harden wants Houston to trade him to either the Brooklyn Nets or Philadelphia 76ers, but he appears to have his sights set only playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrir Irving.
With Harden under contract for at least two more seasons, he doesn’t appear to have the leverage in 2020 to force a deal.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, in order for the Rockets to make any deal, either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving from Brooklyn, or Ben Simmons from Philadelphia would have to come their way.
“The Nets, I’m told there’s not much interest on Houston’s part in any type of deal with them, unless it includes Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant.
As far as the Sixers are concerned, unless they’re putting in Ben Simmons — which I’m told they’re not inclined to do right now — I don’t see a deal structure that makes sense with Philly, outside of a guy like Ben Simmons. The Sixers and Nets are going to have to see if they can cobble a deal together, but I don’t think there’s tremendous pressure right now on Houston.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Houston GM Rafael Stone would require a “monstrous return” in exchange for Harden, and that the Rockets and Nets have yet to hold any trade talks.
