James Harden and the Houston Rockets are in an awkward position right now.
Despite the continuing trade rumors, Houston Rockets All-Star guard James Harden dropped 20 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in their fourth pre-season game against San Antonio Spurs. The win handed the Rockets a 4-1 record while the Spurs are still looking for their first win heading into the regular season.
The Rockets' outstanding start was marred by James Harden's response to his first media briefing. The 6-foot-5 guard refused to answer the media questions about his trade requests.
"Right now, I'm just focused on being here. Today was good. Yesterday felt really good being out there for the first time since the bubble. I haven't really had the opportunity to do a lot of 5-on-5 work, but for my first time being out there, it felt pretty good," James Harden said after winning against the Spurs.
Sources reported that James Harden is considering trade negotiations with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
James Harden said that he is in a "catch-up mode" after his late arrival at the training camp. He added that it would take a long time before he will be given clearance to practice with the team because of the six COVID-19 tests.
James Harden was seen in Atlanta and Las Vegas when NBA players were undergoing several COVID-19 tests and safety protocols.
The 11-year NBA athlete went to a birthday party of rapper Lil Baby. He said that his trainers had accompanied him during the trip.
According to ESPN, the Houston Rockets are reaching out to the other NBA teams about the possible trade for their All-star, aside from Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
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James Harden directly answered that he has not yet talked with Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone.
While the eight-time All-Star was put in hot water, an unnamed executive from the Western conference said that the situation of James Harden and the Houston Rockets is toxic.
"Even if Harden is there, I think Houston is going to be bad," an unknown executive told ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
James Harden might be in a quandary whether to pursue his effort with other teams or stick with the Rockets and gamble for another playoff chance. Even though he is frugal in speaking out, Harden was growing unhappy with the organization.
Starting from the departure of Rocket's head coach Mike D'Antoni and GM Daryl Morey, James Harden felt that he is not accomplishing anything. From Rockets' semifinal exit against the Los Angeles Lakers to Russel Westbrook-John Wall exchange, Harden has yet to find another breathing room for a new beginning.
While the West executive believed that James Harden's situation was toxic, an anonymous executive from the Eastern conference thought that Harden would surpass the people's expectations amid hate.
Former All-Star guard John Wall believed that it's only Harden who can solve all the mess. He reminded everyone it is Harden's business, and all he has to do is give the Rockets a nice run this year.
DeMarcus Cousins, another former All-Star who just got aboard the Rockets from the Lakers, remarked that it's up to Harden to make his own decision. According to Cousins, it is all business at the end of the day, and he just needs to respect what his teammate will do for himself.
If James Harden pushes the trade to Brooklyn, the Rockets will likely seek either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving on the trade block. Recently, the Nets said that the possible trade is still 'floating.'
If Harden pursues Philadelphia, he will be reunited with Daryl Morey, but again, the Sixers clarified that they are not letting Ben Simmons go.
There may be other trade mills coming, but James Harden should still get out of his cocoon to test some water in his team or another at this time.
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