James Harden is one of the most prolific shooters in the league. However, his NBA career has seemed to drift off the peak performances he used to deliver. Harden, known for his controversial reputation lately, has made headlines again this week. Surprisingly, he has opted into his player option with the
Philadelphia 76ers, not to stay with the team but to facilitate potential trades.
The details surrounding this trade opportunity are now emerging, shedding light on how it all came together. Reports revealed his preferred trade destination to his former team.
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The curious case of James Harden
Harden is one of the few players who played with the biggest stars and yet never got their hands around the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Oklahoma City Thunder landed three All-Star players in
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, drafting one year after another from 2007 to 2009.
In fact, Harden was the first to break the trio in 2012, the year OKC reached the NBA Finals but was defeated at the hands of the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. He won the NBA sixth man of the Year, coming off the bench in his final year with the Oklahoma side. The only time he was a solo star player in the team, he was with the Houston Rockets, and he delivered his finest performances for the franchise. Winning 2018 NBA MVP, 3x scoring champion from 2018-2020, and 2x NBA assist leader reflects on how dominant his form was in Houston.
And just two months earlier, during a conference, Harden expressed his commitment to sacrifice for the team’s success. He admitted the importance of letting go and making sacrifices, both in terms of money and his role on the court. Fast forward two months, and he is asking to be traded away.
As the rumors started kicking off about Harden moving back to his former team Houston Rockets, the latest update from the Head Coach has made NBA fans tear up.
Fans react to the latest update on The Beard’s future
James Harden’s possible comeback to the Houston Rockets seemed likely about seven months ago. ESPN reported first that Harden was interested in returning to the team in December. The rumors about his return continued after Christmas Day. The idea of Harden reuniting with the Rockets made sense because Houston was looking for an experienced guard. Moreover, Harden also wanted to go back to a place he considered his “home.”
Since Ime Udoka became the coach of the
Houston Rockets, the team has been very active in the 2023 NBA free agency period. They have made important moves to strengthen their roster. One notable addition is Fred VanVleet, a former All-Star who previously played for the Toronto Raptors for seven seasons.
But reportedly, Head coach, Udoka is not interested in signing Harden. Stating, “It’s not going to work here.”
Upon hearing the coach’s decision, fans took to social media and reacted in fury.
One fan said, “Who would want to play with a shot chucker?”
Harden fan in defense, said, “Shot chucker who averages just 21ppg on 61 ts% 🤔”
Another fan goes ahead and question the coach’s credibility.
Another fan said, “Lead the league in assists”
While another hoped for a completely different hopping reality.
Fans pour tears, getting concerned over the fact that nobody’s willing to coach Harden!
And some feel the situation is screwed up…
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Where do you think Harden will go? Share your thoughts in the comments!
