Report: Heat break off Harden trade talks with Rockets
James Harden doesn't appear bound for South Beach.
The Miami Heat are no longer engaged in talks with the Houston Rockets regarding a possible trade for Harden, a source told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Miami had previously reached out to the Rockets after Harden's reported trade request, but Winderman notes their inquiry was cursory.
The Heat are supposedly on Harden's preferred list of trade destinations. The two parties apparently had mutual interest and Miami was willing to part with rising star Tyler Herro to swing a deal.
However, Miami eventually called off talks due to Houston's high asking price, sources told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Harden arrived late to the Rockets' camp earlier this month amid reports the 2018 MVP now sought to leave the organization after eight seasons.
When asked Monday about how he felt about the situation with Houston following the preseason, Harden didn't provide an answer.
James Harden was asked if he feels better about his situation with the Rockets now than he did before he arrived at camp.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 21, 2020
"Next question." pic.twitter.com/gm2zz7i199
The 31-year-old has won three scoring titles and been named an All-Star all eight seasons since joining the Rockets in 2012. Harden has averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists, six rebounds, 1.8 steals, and shot 36.2% from three on nine attempts per contest in that span.
Houston will open its 2020-21 season at home Wednesday to Harden's former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.