James Harden must really want out of Houston.
On Thursday morning, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Harden has expanded his list of preferred trade destinations. However, it’s hard to say this move by the superstar will be enough to make something happen. Harden is now reportedly comfortable playing in Milwaukee or Miami, two teams that are also expected to be in the title conversation this season.
Sources: James Harden now has the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat among his preferred trade destinations, along with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.
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— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2020
The problem with the Harden situation, however, remains the same: Houston would need an absolute haul to get any kind of deal done. Adding the Bucks and the Heat into the equations doesn’t necessarily make a possible deal any more likely than it currently is. After all, Milwaukee just traded several first-round picks to the Pelicans for Jrue Holiday and doesn’t necessarily have a ton of intriguing young assets to offer. Miami does have Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson to throw into a possible deal, but they are also still looking forward to having some decent flexibility in the 2021 offseason. And, maybe it’s just me, but a locker room with James Harden and Jimmy Butler doesn’t sound like it would lead to the best working relationship.
Charania reports that Houston remains hopeful to keep Harden, compete this season, and convince him to stay. Nowadays, when a player wants out, that doesn’t happen. However, with the Rockets’ asking price rightfully high and the other contending teams around the league somewhat set, it remains hard to find a perfect deal at this moment. Maybe someone will budge soon.