Same as it was before game 1. Time to move on, unless Harden communicates that he’s committed to the team. I have no reason to believe he has done so. I’m fine with the Rockets entering a rebuilding phase. They aren’t winning a championship with an unhappy Harden anyway. The Rockets shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a trade as soon as they get a decent offer of strong young talent and picks. They are not going to get equal value, and dragging this out in search of an MVP-caliber player is a mistake in my opinion.
I was extremely frustrated with Harden before the first game, I was pretty much in the camp of f**k him and don't give him an inch. But thus far he seems to be playing to the best of his abilities. That could obviously change. One way or the other keep him for now, there's no chance trading him is in our best interest. But if he's trying and the supporting cast simply isn't good enough, I see no need to hold him hostage.
My view hasn’t changed: too difficult to trade Harden and his $41M contract during the season and get the return needed. Teams would have to gut their current team of talent which goes against Harden request of being traded to a contender. The team receiving Harden would have to fill in the gaps of a roster with international scrubs or G-league players. A 3rd or 4th team would want to receive Harden, not doing Houston and team receiving Harden any favors, not helping just for the fun of it. Bad contract or two would need to be taken back by a team or two to get additional teams involved. ******************** I no longer think Harden will pull a Kawhi or Irving and sit claiming injury, because Harden sees the Rockets can be top 4 in the West if providing a little focus to the cause; and the Rockets are his best shot at contending this season since any team receiving him would have to gut their team of talent to equal $41M in approximate return. Wood is a much better lob threat than Capela ever was. Catch radius and ability to jump higher while gathering and still put the ball in the hoop anywhere near the rim makes Wood very appealing to Harden moving forward. Tillman is still an, ”avoid going over luxury tax type of owner.” So this is still basically an, “all chips to center of table,” type of season without going over the LT. Harden hates this but will deal with things at season’s end. Rockets will also deal with it at season’s end. The most likely scenario is that Tucker gets traded at the trade deadline to a team that can send back something like a $3M PF to get the Rockets under the LT and apron. Then try to trade Eric Gordon in the summer to possibly extend the Harden era another season. Or possibly trading John Wall in the summer to increase the Harden era multiple seasons.
Strong young talent and picks were unavailable before Game 1. The more James plays, his value will rise. I do agree a MVP caliber will be unavailable, but there might be a chance of retaining him with another potential star like Aaron Gordon or another similar player. This doesn't look impossible anymore to me.
I'm probably one interview where he says anything positive about the team away from wearing my Harden gear again.
FK THAT NARCISSISTIC DIVA b*stard! And those of you groveling for the opportunity to continue to placate and coddle this sob are really PATHETIC! Many of y'all make me feel ashamed to be a Rockets fan... ...smdh...
He should stay in Houston longer than George Springer (paid his dues) and JJ Watt (for humanitarian reasons)
I was hoping Harden would change his mind but IF he is still wanting to be traded I am good with that. I am for the Rockets so IF Harden wants out more power to him. I will not hate on Harden he is own person and whatever makes you happy then go for it! As for me H-Town Crazy Always! Go Rockets!!
A beautiful woman doesn't turn hideous over night once she tells you she wants a divorce. James is still a top 3 basketball player right now. That hasn't changed. However if he still wants out then screw him and let him leave. I don't want anyone on my team or in my city who doesn't wanna be here.
actually a bargain for 37 on 20 shots plus 10 dimes you act like Harden is being traded because he's "overpaid" and the Rockets to include an FRP or something
