Rockets want a young star and massive package of picks for Harden

Let’s go with massive picks. Gotta do it Celtic s style

 

The Houston Rockets feel no pressure to trade James Harden or Russell Westbrook regardless of the superstars' strong desire for fresh starts with different franchises and are "willing to get uncomfortable" as training camp opens and the season begins, sources told ESPN

ESPN
Houston Rockets 'willing to get uncomfortable' with James Harden, Russell Westbrook, source says

TIM MACMAHONESPN Staff Writer7:41 PM ET3 Minute Read

Woj: Harden wants Rockets to trade him to Nets
Adrian Wojnarowski reports on James Harden turning down a contract extension from the Rockets and telling Houston he wants to be dealt to Brooklyn.

The Houston Rockets feel no pressure to trade James Harden or Russell Westbrook regardless of the superstars' strong desire for fresh starts with different franchises and are "willing to get uncomfortable" as training camp opens and the season begins, sources told ESPN.


The Rockets front office, led by recently promoted general manager Rafael Stone, remains adamant that neither player will be traded unless a team meets their asking price.

The Rockets have no issue with going into training camp and the start of the season with Harden and Westbrook on the roster even if the superstars are unhappy with the situation.

A source confirmed that the Rockets and Washington Wizards have discussed a Westbrook-for-John Wall deal, as first reported by The Athletic, but Houston wants assets in addition to Wall, a former All-Star point guard who is coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Rockets consider time to be on their side due to both superstars being under contract for at least two more seasons. Harden and Westbrook both have $133 million over three years -- including player options in the final season -- remaining on their contracts.

The Rockets are demanding an especially steep return for Harden, a perennial MVP candidate who has led the NBA in scoring the last three seasons: a proven, young star as a centerpiece along with a massive picks package, according to sources. Houston does not feel obligated to deliver Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, his preferred destination, sources said.

The Rockets also understand that Westbrook, whom Houston gave up Chris Paul, two first-round picks and two pick swaps to get last summer at Harden's urging, would not command the same type of trade return as Harden. However, Houston is unwilling to deal Westbrook without receiving assets such as young talent or first-round picks.

Houston is hesitant to sell low on Westbrook, a third-team All-NBA selection last season who struggled during the NBA's restart in the bubble, when he was working his way into shape after recovering from coronavirus and strained his right quadriceps, causing him to miss several games and play injured during the playoffs.

The Rockets believe the 32-year-old Westbrook -- who averaged 31.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 52.6% from the floor over two and half months before the pandemic halted the season -- can restore his value with a strong start to the season, sources said. They have no concerns that unhappiness could impact the effort of Westbrook, who has a reputation as one of the league's most relentless competitors.

 

Yes, this is what we need. We get what we want or we go into the season pat...some team will eventually fold once the season starts and they under perform....

 

So philly it is?

 

The Rockets believe the 32-year-old Westbrook -- who averaged 31.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 52.6% from the floor over two and half months before the pandemic halted the season -- can restore his value with a strong start to the season, sources said. They have no concerns that unhappiness could impact the effort of Westbrook, who has a reputation as one of the league's most relentless competitors.



Sublime messaging coming from the Rockets. I absolutely love the message.

 

Batter than trading russ for two bad legs from Washington…
tilman = trash

 

The Nets don’t have a young star.

the 76ers do but apparently Tilman is reluctant there.

harden actually does have some leverage. He’s not going to be happy on a crap team.

you’d ideally send him East though not sure that matters a ton.

In the East it’s the Nets, 76ers, Heat of interest. Then I’d throw in the Bulls and Knicks as they are large markets.

I can’t really think of a team in the West that makes sense. If the Nuggets want to part with one of their big two but they shouldn’t.

 

#GetUncomfortable
#BigStones #StoneBalls

 

This could be a good way to tank .

 

of course...that’s his price

BK package simply doesn’t cut it

How are u gonna trade Harden and the best thing u get back is 26 yo, injury prone Caris Levert? Hell nah

Tilman’s gonna have to get over his Morey pettiness

 

That asking price screams exactly Simmons plus picks...hopefully Tilman can't get any more stupid and ruin everything even furter.

 

Hell yeah. No more favors for you James.

 

You tellem Tilman

 

I hate TF, but he’s gotta stand strong on this and hold his nuts.

 

Rockets are saying what teams say when they are trying to get top value in a trade. It's exactly what I would expect them to say.

 

Stone has stones. Love it.

 

It’s Simmons or Bust

 

Damn right no need to give in to Harden or WB. Play out your damn contracts or wait until someone bowls you over with an offer.

 

Tyler Herro please