The discussions between the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets regarding a blockbuster trade involving James Harden have reportedly reached a stalemate as of late. According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets wanted a young player plus multiple picks in exchange for the 2018 NBA MVP.

At the height of the offseason, James Harden has made it clear that he wanted out of Houston and went on to demand a trade to Brooklyn in a bid to team up with his former teammate in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. He remains to be under contract with the team until the 2022 season which makes his options limited with regards to his desires to seek greener pastures.

During the offseason, the Rockets have been actively in pursuit of other pieces in anticipation of a potential blockbuster trade that would require them to deal away Harden at some point in the future. They have already traded his running mate in Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards and received John Wall and a 2023 projected first-round pick in return.

The Rockets also welcomed their new front liners in DeMarcus Cousins and Christian Wood to bolster their lineup for the coming season. On the other hand, the Nets have been fairly quiet in the offseason, only extending Joe Harris' contract as they still managed to keep Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen at the helm despite swirling trade rumors.

In addition, James Harden has reportedly not been appearing in practices with the Rockets despite his public appearances at clubs amid the start of the training camps in preparation for the 2020-2021 NBA season.

Perhaps, a change in scenery could be best for James Harden but only if a team would be willing to give up that many assets in exchange. Otherwise, the eight-time All-Star will have to take it upon himself to make amends and give the Rockets another chance for a postseason run in the upcoming season.