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There appears to be some significant movement on the James Harden trade front after the team’s embarrassing loss to the Lakers.
On Tuesday night, the Rockets were absolutely dominated from the opening tip by the defending champions which led to guard John Wall calling out Harden in public for quitting on the team.
“It’s only been nine games. Come on, man, you want to jump off the cliff after nine games?"
John Wall on James Harden reportedly wanting out of Houston pic.twitter.com/rmevt9SntW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 13, 2021
Harden, who has reportedly requested a trade from the team, admitted that his relationship with the Rockets can’t be fixed.
James Harden says Rockets are "just not good enough … I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 13, 2021
James Harden: "We're just not good enough. We don't, obviously, chemistry, talent-wise, just everything, and it was clear these last few games…" pic.twitter.com/4bTcaK7TDv
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) January 13, 2021
Less than twelve hours after Harden’s press conference, FS1’s Nick Wright is reporting that the Rockets have been engaging with the Brooklyn Nets in a trade deal. According to Wright the Nets have offered everyone including disgruntled superstar Kyrie Irving in a trade.
News: There has been legitimate movement on the Harden front.
Brooklyn is prepared to offer *anyone* that Houston wants aside from Durant for Harden, as well as 3 1sts & swaps.
BK willing to make the same bet it once made on KG & Pierce, but on Harden.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 13, 2021
The Rockets don’t seem to be interested in Irving at the moment considering it’s unclear whether or not he’s ever going to return from his hiatus.
If Houston demanded Kyrie, they could have him, but the belief is Houston isn’t interested in Kyrie. BK trying to get a 3rd team involved to potentially enhance Houston’s return. Would have a Big 3 of KD, Harden & Kyrie but very little else, no depth & no future picks.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 13, 2021
As for Harden, it appears that he’s more interested in getting traded to the Sixers than the Nets according to ESPN’s Stephen A Smith.
Here's the clip via First Take… 🎥 Harden wants to come to the Sixers over the Nets… pic.twitter.com/QRwRFjruyQ
— Rob Hodge (@RobHodge_) January 13, 2021