James Harden's list of preferred trade destinations now reportedly includes the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat; Harden wants to leave the Houston Rockets after eight seasons with the franchise
Thursday 10 December 2020 16:19, UK
James Harden has added the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat to his list of possible trade destinations as he continues to attempt to engineer a departure from the Houston Rockets, according to US reports.
The Athletic reported on Thursday that Harden officially made a trade demand and the former NBA MVP doubled the size of his list of teams he'd be comfortable being traded to.
Harden previously informed the Rockets through his agent that he was willing to accept a trade to the Brooklyn Nets or Philadelphia 76ers.
The Rockets, under new management with team president Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D'Antoni gone, are expecting a major haul in return for the eight-time All-Star.
Harden became uncertain of his future with the Rockets after another playoff exit was followed by D'Antoni stepping down and Morey leaving for the same post in Philadelphia.
Houston, under new general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas, traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and signed free agents Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins.
But Harden, 31, reportedly said he doesn't see Houston as a contender for an NBA title.
The Bucks made multiple moves in the offseason and parted with significant draft capital to land point guard Jrue Holiday. The team faces a December 21 deadline to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a five-year supermax deal or risk the 26-year-old entering free agency next summer.
Antetokounmpo said recently he'd welcome the arrival of another star player, and Harden would feasibly qualify as a former MVP and three-time scoring champion.
The Heat surprised last season as Eastern Conference champions, and with Pat Riley at the controls, making a run at star players is always a consideration.
Miami could offer a blend of young players and draft picks to entice the Rockets, but the Heat are also thought to be holding their cash and assets for a chance to land Antetokounmpo.
Harden unquestionably could fill a role as a volume scorer with either team. His style of play isn't a precise fit for Miami, who have a swing offense predicated on ball movement and thrive on defence.
