Rockets news: James Harden's heartfelt message after trade to Nets

The Rockets are finally separating with superstar James Harden via trade with the Nets. The Beard wished Houston goodbye in an Instagram post.

Two days after his wish to be traded was granted, James Harden has penned a message thanking Houston Rockets fans for their support over the years.

“What can I write? What words can convey all the ways I feel,” Harden wrote on Instagram. Houston you welcomed me with no guarantees. Took a leap of faith and it changed my life and the lives of my family forever. This organization, this city has given me everything I could ask for and more. Before the scoring titles long before MVP you believed. For that I am forever indebted. The city opened its arms and welcomed me and my family as one of its own and for that I am forever indebted. I gave my mind body and soul in hopes of bringing the glory to the city. I fell short and for that I am forever indebted. It’s far from a good bye as I pay all my debts. TMC H Town!”

Harden's message was paired with a highlight reel of his Rockets career.

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A post shared by James Harden (@jharden13)

On Wednesday, the 2017-18 MVP was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team mega-trade. The deal capped an ugly breakup between Houston and Harden, who asked out in Nov. 2020 and showed up late to training camp.

Harden made it known that Brooklyn was his preferred destination, and he got his wish despite being under team control for two more seasons. Based on his questionable conditioning and early-season effort, the superstar did not exactly seem dedicated to the Rockets this season. His last game as a Rocket was a dispirited performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, after which Harden said the situation in Houston was not fixable.

After the trade, multiple members of the Rockets—including Eric Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins—sounded relieved that the star had moved on.

In 621 games over eight-plus seasons in Houston, Harden averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game, and posted multiple single-season and single-game offensive records. He won three scoring titles, an MVP award, and made eight All-Star teams and six All-NBA First Teams as a Rocket. His postseason performance was mixed, however, as he failed to lead the team to a Finals and shot just 42.1 percent from the field in the playoffs.

The Rockets' official Twitter account posted a brief message wishing Harden well on Thursday.