The Houston Rockets are reportedly trying to retain James Harden but that doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to ship him. The thing, however, is that they’ll require something big in exchange for their superstar. Harden wants a move to the Brooklyn Nets to pair with Kevin Durant but that wouldn’t come easy for the Nets.
According to reports, the Rockets would only trade James Harden for a superstar like Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant if the Nets are serious in their intentions to land the Beard. Shams Charania of The Athletic says these are the options for Brooklyn. If the Philadelphia 76ers show interest in Harden, Ben Simmons would be the necessary piece to unlock negotiations with Houston.
“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,” Charania said on NBA TV on Monday night.
Video: pic.twitter.com/JLMa4rmgFV
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) November 17, 2020
It seems very hard to see the Nets parting ways with one of Kyrie and Durant. They haven’t even played a single game together in Brooklyn. The Rockets, though, knowing that they don’t have plans of rebuilding, want to land a star that can keep them as a competitive squad. These three options could be the leaders they need but neither the Nets nor Sixers are willing to give up their stars for Harden.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are still working to fix their relationship with Harden. In the case they can’t, they would like a ‘mountain’ for the player.
Latest update on James Harden;
– Houston would still prefer to repair their relationship with Harden due to him being under contract for multiple seasons
– If Houston does move him, they are standing pat, wanting a “mountain” in return
(via @wojespn on @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/y6Gpd5AYb1
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 17, 2020
This story is still developing. Perhaps a dark horse will make a last-minute appearance to snatch Harden from them.
