It took the Rockets little time to extradite angry star James Harden, whose teammates were blown up this week following his recent form of “disrespect” to the organization. According to multiple reports, Harden is in a four-team deal on his way to the nets.
Trade talks quickly escalated after Harden stood on the podium Tuesday night after losing the Rockets to the Lakers and essentially put his exit request straight into the microphone.
“I love this city. I’ve literally done everything I can,” said Harden. “I mean this situation is insane. I don’t think it can be fixed.”
John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins weren’t happy with Harden’s approach.
Wall asked why Harden would be eliminated from the team after just nine games, while Cousins went one step further in his criticism.
“I’m interested in playing with John Wall, to be brutally honest,” said Cousins. “The (hard) disrespect started a long time ago. It’s not something that suddenly started last night. … It’s totally unfair to the other guys in the locker room.”
As part of the complicated deal, Caris LeVert moves to the Pacers, Jarrett Allen to the Cavaliers and Victor Oladipo, and a number of draft picks are sent to Houston.
Sporting News posted the latest Harden-related rumors before the deal was reported. This is what happened on Wednesday.
MORE: Harden didn’t do all he could for the Rockets
James Harden Trade Rumors, News
James Harden swaps rockets for nets
Cavaliers receive: Jarrett Allen, Tauride Prince
Receive networks: James Harden, second round selection
Receive pacemaker: Caris LeVert, second round selection
Missiles received: Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, Victor Oladipo, four picks in the first round (all unprotected), four pick swaps in the first round (all unprotected)
- Network selection in 2022, 2024 and 2026
- Selection of the Cavaliers in 2022 (via Bucks)
- Choose from 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027 swaps with networks
Missiles keep James Harden away until the deal is closed
Team: Houston Rockets
Rumor: With the missiles weighing the offers of the nets and 76s, Harden stays away from the team. Talks with Brooklyn and Philadelphia had “picked up speed” before Harden’s comments, and the process is “moving rapidly”.
Reported by: Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne
Networks prepare monster trade offer
Team: Brooklyn networks
Rumor: The Nets package could contain four future first-round picks and three future pick swaps. However, Brooklyn may be reluctant to mortgage so many future assets.
Reported by: Shams Charania and Sam Amick
Missiles track trade package from 76’s
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Rumor: Houston wants ’76 rookie Tyrese Maxey along with Ben Simmons, who has always been the focus of every Philadelphia package. The 76ers are considered the favorites to take over Harden from Wednesday afternoon.
Reported by: Marc Stein
Missiles want Matisse Thybulle in the trade with 76ers
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Rumor: In addition to Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey, the Rockets also want ’76 security guard Matisse Thybulle to be included in the Philadelphia trade package.
Reported by: Chris Haynes
76s trying to stop Tyrese Maxey from trading
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Rumor: The 76ers are trying to “raise other assets” to avoid trading Tyrese Maxey for the Rockets. The 20-year-old Kentucky security guard averages 11 points in his first 12 NBA games.
Reported by: Marc Stein
