Rockets Would Like to Trade James Harden 'Sooner than Later'
James Harden wants out of Houston, that much is clear. What has been considerably less clear is what the Rockets intend to do about it.
But we may have a clearer idea here soon -- with ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski indicating the Rockets are hoping to move the All-Star guard before the season tips off next week.
"Houston would like to get this done sooner than later,” Wojnarowski said during an appearance on Get Up. “This is a pall over the entire organization and their new head coach Stephen Silas, as he tries to implement his program there. But they’ve got to find the right deal. This is too important for their organization long-term.”
Harden supposedly has a "wish list" of preferred trade destinations. Per multiple reports, that list includes the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. And according to Wojnarowski, the Rockets are talking to some of those teams, as well as some not on the list.
Interestingly, the Rockets are also keeping Harden abreast of what's happening in the trade talks as they try to work out a deal, Wojnarowski reported.
It's already been an offseason of major change in Houston. First, Mike D'Antoni stepped down as coach immediately following the end of the season. Then Daryl Morey walked away after 13 years as one of the league's winningest general managers.
Later, new GM Rafael Stone hired longtime assistant Stephen Silas as coach and traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall.
Why Harden actually wants out is anyone's guess. He hasn't really said. But he has made it clear he is more than ready to move on. The Rockets finally appear to be ready to help him do just that.