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One thing that’s been a constant throughout the James Harden-to-Brooklyn campaign is the Houston Rockets don’t want to give up on the perennial MVP candidate as the face of their franchise so easily — understandably so. Harden is an eight-time NBA All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, he should warrant a huge return.
At the same time, if the Rockets feel they can resolve whatever issues Harden has with the franchise, they have little reason to move him for any package thrown their way — unless, of course, Houston decides to go down the rebuild road.
It appears the Rockets don’t want to resort to plan B just yet, with Tim MacMahon of ESPN reporting they are “willing to get uncomfortable” with both Harden and Russell Westbrook going into training camp and even the season itself.
Westbrook — who was traded to Houston by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer of 2019 after Paul George was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers — is under contract for three more seasons, with the last year of his deal being a player option.
Harden also has three years left on his deal, with the final one having a player option. However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Rockets tried to extend Harden for two more years, to the tune of $103 million. According to Woj, the 2018 MVP didn’t take the deal.
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