Within his latest look at the James Harden saga in Houston, Sam Amick of The Athletic writes that the Rockets star’s “ball-dominant style, defensive reputation and personality” appear to be limiting the amount of interest on the trade market. Teams not on Harden’s reported wish list have concerns about both cost and fit, says Amick.
“Harden is a terrific scorer, but not a champion,” one front office executive told The Athletic. “He isn’t a two-way player and (he’s) hard to play with. … He is so used to getting his own way, I think there are concerns he can negatively affect a team’s culture.”
While Harden’s preferred landing spot – the Nets, Sixers, Bucks, and Heat – may be more viable destinations, rival executives are “extremely skeptical” that Houston and Brooklyn will reach a deal, and Milwaukee looks like a long shot too, according to Amick.
Philadelphia may be the most viable option, given Daryl Morey‘s strong affinity for Harden, but the 76ers are committed to giving the Ben Simmons/Joel Embiid duo an opportunity to play under Doc Rivers. As for Miami, sources close to the situation are skeptical that the Heat will want to try to assimilate Harden into their culture built on “discipline and dirty work,” says Amick.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- The Rockets announced today that they plan to host fans at the Toyota Center to start the season, with a reduced capacity and healthy and safety protocols in place. The team is expected to allow between 3,000 and 3,700 in the building, per Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle.
- Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said on Tuesday that second-year forward Keldon Johnson, who has been sidelined so far this month due to a foot injury, won’t be ready for the team’s regular season opener, but could be good to go in “a couple of weeks,” writes Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. Derrick White (left toe surgery) will likely be out longer than that, per Popovich. “(Johnson is) going 3-on-3 now,” Popovich said. “He has contact and he’s competing. … Derrick’s further behind (in his rehab). He’s not out on the floor competing or doing anything of that nature.”
- The Mavericks achieved their offseason goals of improving their defense and gaining more future cap flexibility, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic, who surprisingly projects the club to finish with the second-best record in the Western Conference (47-25).
Just trade Harden already. I read the same story every day, followed by 50 comments trashing him, 25 comments trashing Harden Westbrook mvp, and 10 sticking up for one of the two. Cant wait for season to start so there r some other things to talk about. Makes me wish giannis was still holding out….
Imagine he gets traded to Sacramento or someone for picks plus players.
Sometimes the worst thing is getting exactly what you ask for. He wants trade? Bye bye
They can’t trade him because of what this article says, so Houston will leak info trying to stir up interest, this will never end until he’s traded, so you should skip the articles, and if you can’t handle the articles you should definitely stay away from the comment section
I doubt there are close to 10 pro-Rockets comments on any article here.
Little_Dunker_45 Unfortunately there’s gonna be constant Harden trade rumors and speculation until he’s either traded or changes his mind. Especially now that there’s no more Giannis to ‘Team X’ rumors to discuss.
Strap him to a literal rocket for all I care. See if I care
Imagine if he’s traded for a ton of picks and ends up being miserable playing for the Kings or someone
I mentioned this before but I think if he gets traded 2 a really poor team with no chance of the playoffs, I think he won’t report. Then they’ll be in a stalemate for the rest of the year and they’ll trade him to a team he finds adequate for his personal needs.
If the Bucks don’t start off hot like last year and they gotta mix it up… Jrue, Lopez, DJ, Dante (and picks) for James Harden and PJ Tucker.
Pass.
Bucks fan here. Whatever you’re smoking I’ll have some. Even if they could afford him no way would the Bucks want him. Under Bud they have team chemistry that was gone for years. The minute Harden steps on the floor, it’s gone
P
Jrue is rumored to be resigning with us. Cdd as n only do a one year extension right now due to the trade but in February can give him a 4 or 5 year extension. I could see Middleton and pieces for Harden but Giannis loves Khris and while Harden would be an upgrade over Middleton no one wants to deal with the diva.
With his attitude, he does not want a championship. He just wants to get his way. Cleveland would be a good fit. Give them Kevin Love, some picks, and salary filler. Everybody, but Harden, will be happy.
#FreeTheBeard
Saw Steven As headline “Rockets and James Harden are at a breaking point” but after seeing him, pretty sure button on his will break fist. Dude looks like hes had 15 thanksgiving dinners in a row.
put up a write up online like 12 days ago, also having Dallas as the 2 seed in the West, but that was heading into training camp. Still have to go over the preseason for final predictions, but Dallas is much improved. Hollinger keeps writing about stuff I’ve talked about, which is either a good or bad thing lol