Report: Harden wants to be on a contender elsewhere; Nets, 76ers top choices
Houston Rockets star James Harden wants to be on a contender elsewhere, and the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are his top desired trade locations, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
The former MVP has reportedly indicated he's "growing open" to being traded to Brooklyn as he doubts the Rockets' ability to compete for a championship.
However, Houston is said to be "fully comfortable" keeping Harden and disgruntled guard Russell Westbrook into the 2020-21 season.
Both potential destinations would be a reunion of sorts for Harden. The eight-time All-Star spent his first three NBA seasons playing alongside Nets forward Kevin Durant.
Meanwhile, new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey orchestrated the blockbuster deal that brought Harden to Houston in 2012 during his tenure as the Rockets GM.
It's been an offseason of change for Houston. Head coach Mike D'Antoni parted ways with the club after four seasons, while incoming GM Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas are entering their first NBA campaigns in their respective positions.
Harden averaged 34.3 points this past season as he captured his third straight NBA scoring title. He remains one of the league's top isolation threats and continues to get to the free-throw line at will.