The Houston Rockets have begun training camp and James Harden hasn’t been apart of it. Now it appears the former NBA MVP is angling to not be a member of the team when they tip-off on opening night. Among those destinations could be not only the Brooklyn Nets but potentially the Philadelphia 76ers or other contenders.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden has expressed to the Rockets he’d be ‘agreeable’ if a trade were to occur sending him to the 76ers.
“After it was clear there was no traction in talks with the Nets, Harden expressed to the Rockets that he would be agreeable if a trade with the 76ers materialized, sources said. Harden also indicated that there could be other teams that fit his criteria for a preferred destination, a source said.”
It’s clear Harden lacks confidence in the long-term direction of the Rockets organization. It’s difficult to blame him for that perspective with owner Tim Fertitta focused on cutting costs and failing to retain both Mike D’Antoni and Daryl Morey.
The primary objective for Harden appears to be about winning a championship. The Rockets simply do not have the necessary pieces to get that done. After trading numerous first round picks and not having intriguing young prospects, the talent simply isn’t there.
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There appears to be a viable potential situation with the 76ers for Harden— assuming the team would move Ben Simmons in a potential trade. Being able to pair up with Joel Embiid would give Philadelphia a staggering pick-and-roll combination that can punish mismatches.
It would be difficult to envision James Harden not making the Philadelphia 76ers overnight NBA championship contenders. The Brooklyn Nets will be on the rise with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but being able to pair up with Joel Embiid would form a scary combination, too.
