The James Harden trade rumors have been heating up over the past couple of weeks after the former league MVP reportedly expressed his desire to be traded away from the Houston Rockets. For years, Harden has been running the show for the Rockets, leading them to one of their most successful runs in franchise history. As the unquestioned superstar of the team, the organization has reportedly let The Beard basically do whatever he wants.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN suggests that giving Harden the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth is now backfiring for the Rockets. Below are just some of the things current and former Rockets employees are saying about the current Harden situation in Houston:
“Yeah, he's going to act up,” a former Rockets staffer said.
“He's never heard ‘no' before.”
MULTIPLE ROCKETS OFFICIALS acknowledge that the entire organization has been “complicit” in the culture that has been created over the past eight years.
“We knew who the boss of the organization was,” a former Rockets assistant coach said. “That's just part of what the deal was when you go to Houston. The players, coaches, GM, owner all know.
“I don't blame James. I blame the organization. It's not his fault. He did what they allowed him to do.”
Much like every organization, Houston has given its franchise star the superstar treatment and allowed him to do what he pleases. Harden reportedly often reroutes to Las Vegas or other cities to party whenever the Rockets have time off on the road. The team usually stays longer in cities he likes. He has had a big hand in forcing big roster moves.
The Rockets certainly have had plenty of reason to make Harden happy, considering he was producing for them night in and night out. They've been a championship contender with him, nearly toppling the mighty Golden State Warriors in 2017-18.
However, this culture has alienated other stars like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. And now, with Harden reportedly requesting a trade out of Houston, this marks the first time the Rockets aren't going to instantly grant the three-time scoring champ's wishes. Harden missed out on the team's return to practice this offseason and went partying amid his trace request. In addition, Harden has yet to speak to the media after reporting to work this past week.
With the Rockets reportedly weighing their options on a trade package, it looks like this drama in H-Town will spill into the season.
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