The 2020/21 NBA season begins on December 22 and there are exciting times ahead. There’s a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season and a recent update has just made things more interesting. Looks like James Harden might leave the Houston Rockets after all!
The 2020 offseason presented fans with a sensational topic to discuss. James Harden lost interest in playing for the Rockets and publicly demanded a trade away from the franchise. Rumors about him joining the Brooklyn Nets enthralled fans, but it never gained proper weightage.
It seemed like the move faded away into oblivion and that the Rockets had shut the door for any trade possibilities. But if what Sports Illustrated writer Farbod Esnaashari wrote is true, then NBA fans are in for a massive treat.
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“Sources: There’s been significant movement to get James Harden traded to the Brooklyn Nets, or the Miami Heat by the start of the season on Tuesday,” Esnaashari updated on Twitter.
This latest update might sit well with Nets fans, but not a single Rockets fan. That’s how the story’s been so far. But the move isn’t confined to the Nets as the Miami Heat are favorites to land Harden too!
Why James Harden to the Miami Heat is a realistic possibility
Brooklyn seemed to be a strong suitor to sign James Harden, but then came along Miami! The Heat are in fact towering favorites to sign the 2018 MVP if things go south between the Rockets and the Nets.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Nets were Harden’s preferred destinations, but why would he say no to teaming up with Jimmy Butler?
Nets, Rockets engaged again on a James Harden deal with an unnamed third team., I’m hearing. pic.twitter.com/yqiLp3jU4O
— 👑📍Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, M.A. (@ScoopB) December 19, 2020
Though the deal is yet to be confirmed, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also dropped a bomb saying that Houston might be looking to ship out Harden “sooner than later.”
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Woj also spoke about a three-team scenario, but details about the third team haven’t been revealed yet. The work culture in Miami is absolutely fantastic, but Harden’s recent activities might not go down well with the management.
Furthermore, the rumors about Harden joining the Heat gained further traction after the team’s official stores were spotted selling Harden’s Adidas kicks.
James Harden shoes are being sold in the Miami Heat store.
(via @BradyHawk305, @zwervais) pic.twitter.com/kQywKd0Cbg
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 20, 2020
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It would certainly be one of the craziest deals ever if the Rockets manage to trade James Harden on the opening day. However, the team that he will be joining still remains a mystery, and maybe it is a surprise!