Are the Rockets Still Looking for the Next James Harden?

With the trade deadline of the 2021-22 season nearing in, several teams are looking to make moves in order to make big strides in the post-season, or earn a solid shot at the title.

While such teams are generally the big names of the league, there is one team that is hoping to end their tenure as a rebuilding franchise by potentially making a trade for a star player capable of carrying a franchise. That team is none other than the Houston Rockets.

According to reports, the Rockets are evaluating the market hoping to receive a franchise centerpiece.

Let’s look at who the Rockets are likely to trade, along with a player comparison to their former star – James Harden.

Houston Rockets Potential Trade Report

According to the report, it is likely that the Rockets will bid farewell to some of their present core players as part of a trade. This was brought to light in a piece for ‘The Athletic’ by Sam Amick.

“As for sellers, keep an eye on Houston as we get closer to the deadline,” mentioned Sam Amick. There’s lots of chatter about the Rockets being even more open for business than we may have previously thought, with one rival executive indicating that Houston is still on the lookout for a franchise centerpiece-worthy player and thus open to all sorts of possibilities (translation: While Jalen Green is seen as a big part of their future, Harden’s old spot has yet to be truly filled).”

“Christian Wood can be had, it seems, and John highlighted the Charlotte [Hornets] possibility in a piece with our Rockets beat writer, Kelly Iko,” added Amick. [h/t ahnfiredigital.com]

Although the Rockets seem to have a good young core, they’re still not a threat in the Western Conference, and occupy the lowest seed with a 14-32 record.

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Hence, it is likely that the core comprising Jalen Green, Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., and Eric Gordon will be separated.

Houston Rockets Potential Trade Package Player Analysis

The Rockets drafted Jalen Green with the 2nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Although he has put up decent numbers, they are nowhere close to former league MVP – James Harden.

Furthermore, the Rockets recent acquisitions of Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. haven’t played out well for them despite both of them putting up decent numbers.

Added to this, veteran three-point ace Eric Gordon isn’t playing up to the same level as he used to before alongside the ‘Beard.’

Clearly, James Harden was an all-rounder in terms of scoring, assisting, and rebounding, and that’s exactly what the Rockets will look for in a player.

READ MORE: Former NBA Champion Rips Kevin Durant and James Harden For Being “Soft” on Kyrie Irving: “If They Had Any Umph About Themselves…”

Who do you think will be the Rockets’ new franchise player? Let us know in the comments below.