In contrast to co-star Russell Westbrook, who wants a trade, James Harden remains committed to the Houston Rockets and is “locked in” for the 2020-21 season, per Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
“The Rockets are fully intending to continue building a title-contender around James Harden, and rival team officials tell The Athletic that the franchise has so far been protective of both Harden and Westbrook in trade discussions,” Charania writes.
Both Harden and Westbrook are under contract with the Rockets through at least the next two seasons, so the Rockets are not required to make a move — even if there is a trade request. But in Harden’s case, that doesn’t seem to be something that interests him at this time.
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
Now 31 years old, Harden is entering his ninth season with the Rockets and his 12th in the NBA. He’s led the NBA in scoring in each of the last three seasons (34.3 points per game in 2019-20), and he’s the only NBA player to be an MVP finalist and an All-NBA First Team member in each of the last four seasons. “The Beard” won the MVP award in 2018.
According to ESPN, both Harden and Westbrook have had concerns with Houston’s direction as a franchise after a turbulent offseason, which began with established GM Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni each choosing to head elsewhere. They have since been replaced by Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas, respectively, with each lacking prior experience as the full-time guy in his new position.
But while Westbrook came to the conclusion that a change is necessary, his close friend appears to feel differently. (Again, it’s worth noting that Houston is not required to trade Westbrook, despite his current desire.)
The NBA is expected to lift its moratorium on offseason trades early next week, with 2020 free agency set to begin on Friday, Nov. 20.
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