USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after getting called for a foul in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers in game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after getting called for a foul in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers in game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
James Harden has led the Houston Rockets for the better part of a decade. The former league MVP has broken records in Houston, winning three consecutive scoring titles. He has also finished in the top three for MVP voting for quite a few of the past seasons. The Houston Rockets have flourished with him as their star. However, a championship still eludes the Texas-based team.
After the failure of micro-ball in the NBA Playoffs saw coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey leave, many have questioned if it’s rebuild time in Houston. And if it is rebuild time, what happens with James Harden?
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed on ‘The Woj Pod‘ that Harden is not going to be traded away. He is one of the best in the league, and the Rockets will contend as long as he is that player.
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The Woj Pod with @espn_macmahon: Daryl Morey to the Sixers, Stephen Silas' hiring and the Rockets future, the end of the Miller family ownership era in Utah and the stakes surrounding starting the 2020-2021 season in December. Full audio on ESPN: https://t.co/7tiv52J8AG
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 29, 2020
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“What I can say is right now the Rockets are 100 percent committed to trying to cash in on James Harden. They consider him the best player in the league, which you know… He’s without question a perennial MVP candidate. That’s just a simple fact. They’re going to try to win a championship as long as he’s at that level and as long as he’s onboard.”
James Harden is staying in Houston
USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (left) celebrates with guard James Harden (13) after dunking against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of game three in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
If you have to trade a player like James Harden away, there is no player you can get and guide to a title. Harden has proven himself as one of the best in the league. Despite his playoff failures, Harden is as good as any superstar on any team. No team trades away James Harden in his prime.
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However, the Rockets do find themselves in a position where they have $80 million locked up in Harden and Russell Westbrook. The current roster can’t get it done, but Houston doesn’t have the cap space to make moves. Russ is a more likely trade asset, but no way Houston gets back close to what they gave up for him. Trading James Harden is a bad idea. And it is good to see Houston reaffirming that.
