It's time to move on

Here's why the clock is ticking for the Rockets' front office

Here's why the clock is ticking for the Rockets' front office
The time is now. Composite image by Jack Brame.
How playoff seeding in the bubble could cause an unexpected twist for Rockets

The Houston Rockets clearly have some big decisions to make with James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Harden has made an assertive effort to become a Net, so he can join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, and the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks are showing interest in Russell Westbrook.

So far, Rockets' GM Rafael Stone has welcomed back Trevor Ariza, along with a 2020 and 2021 first-round draft pick for Robert Covington, which the Rockets desperately needed. This move disappointed some of the Rockets' fanbase because of the affection they showed for Covington. But with every hour that passes before the NBA Draft this Wednesday night, the Rockets' front office gets closer to dealing Harden off to the Nets, as he wanted.

Monday night, it was reported that Harden turned down a $103 million dollar extension from the Rockets. Ever since Durant planted seeds inside of Harden's head in Los Angeles during a workout, Harden has pushed the Rockets to trade him to Brooklyn. The Rockets' front office became less likely to grant Harden's request because of the likely return they would receive from the Nets and the 76ers, who have also shown interest. Daryl Morey, former GM of the Rockets and now the President of Player Operations for the 76ers, did not like the idea of giving up Ben Simmons for Harden, so the Rockets moved on.

As the Rockets' front office patiently waits for a proper deal from the Nets, Westbrook's trade request has become difficult. The trade market for Westbrook has become slim, meaning only two teams want him, which is the Hornets and Knicks. Michael Jordan is focusing all his efforts to bring Westbrook to the Hornets. As many people know, Westbrook is signed with Jordan's company. Hopefully, Westbrook receives his request from the Rockets.

But why does Westbrook and Harden want out of Houston? It's because Harden and Westbrook were left out of the hiring process of Stephen Silas and Rafael Stone. Tilman Fertitta did not verbalize the hiring process with Westbrook and Harden. Both players felt left out which did not sit well with them.

Hopefully, the Rockets can complete the deals by Tuesday night because the draft is Wednesday, and draft picks are needed.

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Jalen Green had a big game! Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Jalen Green scored 35 points, Alperen Sengun added 24 points and 13 rebounds and the Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-115 on Friday night.

Green finished 12 of 24 from the floor and was 5 of 11 on 3-pointers. Amen Thompson finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Houston, which shot 50%, including 13 of 26 on 3-pointers.

Jabari Smith Jr had 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench in his first game back after missing 22 games with a broken bone in his left hand.

Anthony Edwards scored 37 points on 13-of-32 shooting, including 4 of 14 on 3-pointers. Edwards scored 25 points in the first half on 8-of-15 shooting, including 3 of 7 on 3-pointers.

Naz Reid had 22 points and eight rebounds, Jaden McDaniels added 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 16 points for Minnesota, which shot 45%, including 11 of 39 on 3-pointers.

Takeaways

Timberwolves: Mike Conley returned to the lineup after missing four games with a sprained right index finger, but he was in foul trouble for most of the night and finished with five points in 24 minutes.

Rockets: One area that coach Ime Udoka pointed to before the game where Smith’s return would help was rebounding. Houston outrebounded the Timberwolves 48-35.

Key moment

Tied at 108, Green made a 3-pointer with five minutes remaining to kickstart Houston’s 9-2 run to open up a seven-point lead with 48 seconds left.

Key stat

Edwards was 1 for 6 in the fourth quarter, including 1 of 4 on 3-pointers. He scored 3 points in the quarter as Houston sent double teams at him.

Up next

Minnesota hosts Oklahoma City on Sunday night, while Houston travels to Utah on Saturday night.

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