Despite the changes going on in Houston, reports have indicated James Harden remains committed to the Rockets.
Houston's James Harden remains committed to the Rockets and is "locked in" for the season, sources tell @KellyIkoNBA and me.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2020
In just the past few weeks, H-Town has seen a number of their prominent members move on, including ex-GM Daryl Morey, former head coach Mike D’Antoni, and (before long) star point guard Russell Westbrook.
And while there is every indication this team intends to stay competitive, there are rumblings that Harden may not so “untouchable” after all…
(via Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated)
A source is telling me that the Nets have engaged in talks with the Rockets. James Harden for a variation of: Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, and Jarrett Allen.
Nothing finalized, but Harden to Nets seems like real possibility. If finalized, announced on Nov 22.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 14, 2020
Mind you, I never do these things. This is what I'm hearing right now though good intel. But we'll see what the future holds
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 14, 2020
If the Rockets are even discussing a Harden deal, it means they’re reasonably close to starting a full-on rebuild. Without Harden and Westbrook (who has already requested a trade), there’s really no way for them to remain competitive in the West.
A team like the Nets can offer them picks and several young, talented players with which to develop and add to their stockpile.
In return, Brooklyn gets to build an insane superteam with James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving. Not only would that likely result in the best offensive team ever, but it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which they wouldn’t reach the NBA Finals.
For all the criticisms Harden receives, he’s an exceptional player, unstoppable scorer, and one of the best guards we have ever seen.
Whether or not we’ll see him in Houston, or Brooklyn, however, remains to be seen.
