Carmen Mandato / Associated Press
The Houston Rockets “seep through offers of a potential James Harden deal from two teams ̵
According to this report, the Nets offer is built around “all their four future elections in the first round and three future election swaps. ”
The Rockets have also pursued a potential package with the Sixers centered around young star Ben Simmons, with second-year guard Matisse Thybulle is also discussed in packages. Marc Stein from New York Timesmeanwhile reported that it would be Simmons and Tyrese Maxey who highlight the agreement:
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Houston is increasingly determined to complete a James Harden deal as soon as today, league sources say, and has pursued the promising Maxey in addition to Simmons Philly being known to covet Houston’s PJ Tucker beyond the Harden, while the nets has also been in the pursuit
Charania and Amick reported that the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors “have also expressed interest in points” in the Harden.
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Teams involved in James Harden talks are getting indications that rockets are preparing to move quickly towards a deal, league sources told @SInow – possibly as early as today.
The 31-year-old superstar came as close as a player could come to demand a trade in public after Tuesday’s 117-100 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers during his post-game press conference.
“We are not even close to that team – of course the defending champions – and all the other elite teams out there,” Harden told reporters. “I mean, you can see the difference in these last two games. We just are not good enough – chemistry, talent, just everything. And it was clear that the last two games.”
Then he delivered the intestinal puncture.
“I love this city. I’ve literally done everything I can,” he said. “I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something I do not think can be solved.”
Based on reports Wednesday, Tuesday’s game will almost certainly be Harden’s last in a Rockets uniform:
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
The Rockets plan to keep Harden away until a deal is done — with the front office weighing the best final deals from Brooklyn and Philadelphia, sources @ramonashelburne and I say. The process is moving fast now. https://t.co/YDZkAKcG5d
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Houston’s talks with the Sixers and Nets have gained momentum in recent days – even before James Harden’s press conference on Tuesday night, sources @ramonashelburne and me say.
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I spoke to a team that is not involved in the Harden talks but has been involved as a potential third team in, and they said “It’s probably done today or tomorrow. It really feels like the rockets are ready to move, and so are nets and Sixers. Season is moving fast this year. “
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I just spoke to another team that was part of the Harden trade negotiations as a third team in, and they were told within the last hour “It’s far enough down the road that we do not need you involved now. ” I mean, that means things are getting really close now.
Harden has struggled in his last five games, averaging just 17.4 points, while shooting 37.8 percent from the field and 25.6 percent from three. He is clearly unhappy and it does not help that he seems to have entered the season above his normal playing weight.
A trade always felt inevitable, but now it seems imminent. Harden’s time in Houston is over. The only question left to answer is where he will play next, as fans in Brooklyn and Philadelphia eagerly await the answer.
