Houston Rockets star James Harden once again insisted rumors indicating that he and former teammate Chris Paul had a poor relationship were false. Per Adam Wexler of KPRC, Harden claimed that all the rumors were just “false talk.”

Word spread that Harden and Paul were not on good terms shortly after free agency opened. The rumors claimed that Harden wanted Paul out of Houston, and he could no longer play with the controversial point guard. Not too long after, Paul and several picks were shipped out to Oklahoma City in exchange for Russell Westbrook, ending the Harden-Paul era.

Since then, ESPN's Brian Windhorst has stoked the rumors with reports of a heated interaction between the two in which Harden cussed at Paul after a blown defensive assignment. Many still believe that the two stars' relationship was fractured beyond repair.

Now, Harden is doing all he can to dispel the rumors. He was nothing but complimentary of Paul in his interview. By the way he talked about it, it seemed like the two separated on good terms.

Still, the situation seems a little fishy. Paul has a history of being a massive irritant. Just ask Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, Glen Davis, or a multitude of other players. It seems unlikely that the Rockets would have shipped out the guard after making two good playoff runs, especially considering the team that knocked them out both times has since been depleted.

For now, all we can do is take the Beard's word. Regardless, the future Thunder-Rockets matchups will be a date to circle on your calendar to see if any fireworks occur on the court.