James Harden wants to be traded: Per Woj wants to join the Nets: Turned down 2 yrs 102 million

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TEXAS SPORTS NATION // BRIAN T. SMITH
Smith: It's time for the Rockets to dictate the future with James Harden

Brian T. SmithNov. 16, 2020 Updated: Nov. 16, 2020 9:58 a.m.

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If James Harden is starting to look for a way out of Houston, the Rockets need to get the best deal possible.
Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
It is time.

For the Rockets to finally stand up to James Harden.

For Houston’s NBA team to do what is best for the Rockets, not keep rewarding a me-first scorer and passive-aggressive leader who has always fallen short when it truly mattered.

Rockets’ new leadership on the clock with Harden, Westbrook

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The last time the Rockets listened to and trusted Harden with a franchise-altering decision the following happened: Chris Paul was traded, Russell Westbrook — who doesn’t want to play Harden’s brand of basketball in Houston anymore — was acquired, Mike D’Antoni eventually walked away (to the Nets) and Daryl Morey chose the Philadelphia 76ers’ stalled process over the Rockets’ championship potential.

The Rockets have increasingly catered to and given in to everything Harden since 2012. The chaotic culture and lack of accountability that have led to this dividing point within franchise largely bear Harden’s imprint.


Oh yeah: One more thing. Harden is under contract through 2022 and has perfected the act of random disappearances in the playoffs since ’15.

brian.smith@chron.com

twitter.com/chronbriansmith

Brian T. Smith
Follow Brian T. on:
Brian T. Smith, Houston ChronicleChronBrianSmith
Past Articles from this Author:

• Smith: Nothing ever seems to change with the Texans
• Smith: Should James Harden be the Rockets’ only star?
• Smith: Latest battle on Rockets’ hands is James Harden versus Russell Westbrook

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©2020 Hearst

At both candid pictures of him being winded

 

[old pig]

How much leverage does Harden really have to dictate what team he’ll go to, if he’s under contract for at least the next 3 seasons?

oh damn...didn’t know this

who knows maybe he can pull a paul george

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

The arms race between the Lakers, Nets, Heat and Warriors is quite fascinating to watch.

 

[god shamgod]

Morey about to swoop in and get his boy if harden really asking out

 

[ÆTHER]

I would ignore this if I’m the nets. Can’t imagine the issues with Harden and Irving off court let alone on

Nets probably came to him first via Kyrie or KD. Players don't just put themselves out like that without knowing they have interest, especially a star like Harden.

 

[FS4LFE]

Again why would the Rockets do this without asking for Kyrie? Unless there’s a third team involved. Giannis might as well pack his bags if they all end up on the same team.

 

[Flex Luger]

Harden is locked in for 3 more years on his deal. Dude has zero leverage to force a trade to a specific team.

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

Harden is locked in for 3 more years on his deal. Dude has zero leverage to force a trade to a specific team.

No way Houston can bring him back now that he’s officially asked for a trade.

 

[Flex Luger]

No way Houston can bring him back now that he’s officially asked for a trade.

True but that doesn’t mean they have to trade him to the Nets. This isn’t like the AD situation. Bret got 3 years left on his deal with the final year being a player option. Teams won’t be afraid to trade for him like they were afraid to trade for AD.

 

[staticshock]

The ball movement on the Nets gonna look terrible if this happens

if Harden is asking for this trade I’m pretty sure he’d be willing to do whatever it takes to get a ring even if he has to take a back seat

I would ignore this if I’m the nets. Can’t imagine the issues with Harden and Irving off court let alone on

what issues have Harden had on & off the court

 

[NotAnFBIagent]

NBA stars all wanna team up like the Avengers now

 

[KidJSoul]

Nets will be a fukking mess.

Imagine the Clippers except WORSE.

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

True but that doesn’t mean they have to trade him to the Nets. This isn’t like the AD situation. Bret got 3 years left on his deal with the final year being a player option. Teams won’t be afraid to trade for him like they were afraid to trade for AD.

Agree with that.

 

[The G.O.D II]

if Harden is asking for this trade I’m pretty sure he’d be willing to do whatever it takes to get a ring even if he has to take a back seat



what issues have Harden had on & off the court

Really? Every major teammate he’s played with has issues with him.Racing to strip clubs immediately after playoff losses. Harden is a fukking weirdo

 

[Flex Luger]

Agree with that.

Yup these dudes lose any leverage once they ink those long extensions.