It's time to move on
Here's why the clock is ticking for the Rockets' front office
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.
This echoes what I heard two days ago. Harden to the Nets has been "practically done." https://t.co/jXkz8RW4Rq https://t.co/lY1mmbYMNX— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod Esnaashari) 1605645509.0
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.
Rockets star James Harden wants to be on a contender elsewhere, and Brooklyn and Philadelphia are believed to be hi… https://t.co/9i7fupSizQ— Shams Charania (@Shams Charania) 1605555802.0
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.
"Multiple league sources say interest in Westbrook is minimal" -The Ringer "Rockets have been actively searching… https://t.co/nJc5JXpKJE— NBA Central (@NBA Central) 1605595193.0
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.
Stephen Jackson & Matt Barnes say they know why there’s friction with the Houston Rockets James Harden & Russell We… https://t.co/PgqpTUhYay— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) 1605572033.0
Hopefully, the Rockets can complete the deals by Tuesday night because the draft is Wednesday, and draft picks are needed.
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