By Jerry Wein
Reports from the New York Times and ESPN indicate that the Houston Rockets’ patience with star guard James Harden has run out and that Philly may be where he is headed in a trade.
ESPN says the Rockets are keeping James Harden away from the team until they can complete a trade involving the disgruntled star.
Houston’s front office is currently weighing the best final trade offers from the Brooklyn Nets and Sixers.
Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters that Harden would not be at today’s practice, one day after the former league MVP said the team is “just not good enough” following a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We felt that it was best for the group and best for James not to come to practice,” Silas said.
The Rockets’ trade talks with the Nets and Sixers had gathered momentum in recent days — even before Harden’s comments.
And this from Marc Stein of the NYT:
The Rockets are pursuing a trade package from the 76ers that would be headlined by Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 13, 2021
