James Harden still wants a trade from the Houston Rockets and there are a handful of teams that have preliminary interest in acquiring him. Besides the Denver Nuggets who have emerged as a dark-horse candidate, the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors have been in ‘exploratory talks' for Harden, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Ever since James Harden has requested a trade from the Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets were both listed as the top landing spots. Then, the Miami Heat were also mentioned as a team that could have the moxie to pursue the disgruntled All-Star guard.
On Thursday, it was reported that the Nuggets have had talks with the Rockets on a deal for James Harden. However, Denver has been reluctant to involve Jamal Murray in the trade, which would prevent Houston from conducting business with the Nuggets.
At the same time, it is highly unlikely that the Rockets would deal Harden to a team in the Western Conference. But if a team is willing to include an All-Star talent and first-round picks for Harden, they'd probably be open to completing a trade.
When it comes to the Raptors, they'd likely have to include Fred Vanvleet or Pascal Siakam in a trade for James Harden. As for the Celtics, they'd have to part ways with Jaylen Brown or Marcus Smart plus more to acquire Harden.
Seeing that the Celtics have refused to rid of their young talent, it's hard to envision them conjuring up a trade for James Harden. Nevertheless, there are now quite a few teams in the Eastern Conference that are keeping tabs on Harden's situation.
Reports of James Harden acting out in an ugly way toward some of his Houston teammates have only intensified the speculation surrounding the inscrutable superstar. It becomes harder — not easier — to think that Harden has a real and lasting future with the Rockets at this point.
Follow Us
Subscribe