What Next for James Harden & Houston Rockets if Brooklyn Nets Trade Doesn’t Materialise?

The Houston Rockets looked in a very precarious position entering this NBA off-season. With both their stars Russell Westbrook and James Harden wanting a trade, it seemed like a matter of time before these stars parted ways with the Rockets.

Harden was reportedly interested in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, but till now there haven’t been any offers from the latter. The Rockets have made it pretty clear that they will only let go of the Beard if they receive either Kyrie or Durant.

If the situation stays the same, the Nets might not be an option. We look at the possible options for the Rockets if the Nets trade doesn’t go through.

1. Keep James Harden

The Houston Rockets at this point have made it clear how much they value their star. They have given him the second biggest contract in the history of NBA. They even offered him a reported $102 million extension for 2 years.

Harden has made his intentions pretty clear that he wants a change. He has realized that his championship window is closing in. But the disgruntled star might have to stick around.

If no team is able to match the Rockets’ demands, they can have a last go at the Championship. With the increasing competition in the league and specially in the Western conference, it won’t be easy for them, but when you have Harden anything is possible.

2. Trade Harden for Bradley Beal

Trading for Bradley Beal fits all the parameters for the Rockets. They want a young superstar and who has already proved his scoring prowess in Washington.

While this trade might not be that helpful for Harden’s championship aspirations, the Rockets will get a phenomenal player in Beal. He averaged 30.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists in a game last season.

Beal,27, is currently entering his prime. He has just shown the league what he can do. Building a team around him might make the Rockets real challengers again.

3. Trade Russell Westbrook for John Wall

Last season when Russell Westbrook came into the team, the Rockets had suddenly become one of the favourites for the championship. However, the season ended in a disappointing manner, to say the least.

Westbrook has demanded a trade now. The same is also true for Wall. John Wall hasn’t played an NBA game for a whole season now.

According to the latest reports, the Rockets and Wizards are in talks of a potential trade. Both the stars have similar salaries so it might just be a straight swap.

Wall can pair up with Harden, and this just might be enough to convince the star to stay in the Rockets and have another go at the championship.

4. Trade Harden for Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is already a superstar in the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons and Joel Embiid are the stars that Philly tried to build around in the 2019-20 season. It was underwhelming, to say the least.

Embiid and Simmons might be great players, but their fit is questionable. This might be the chance to trade away Simmons and bring in a disgruntled Harden.

The Rockets want a young star, and Ben Simmons is a player who fits the role perfectly. He is already a 2-time All-Star and is a very good defender. He has great passing ability. The only thing he lacks right now is a jumper. Yet he can easily be the cornerstone for any team.

The 76ers have brought in former Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey. Morey has already served up multiple shooters in Seth Curry and Danny Green. Given the players they have roped in, the 76ers might be the best fit for Harden.

Although the prospect of joining Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving may seem like the best option, the 76ers might be the best fit for James Harden. Only time will tell if any team is interested in trading for the superstar.