Philly Wants James Harden but Rockets Not Interested in a Trade

James Harden with Houston Rockets in 2016
James Harden with Houston Rockets in 2016. Photo by Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock (5613421g)

With all the changes taking place inside the Houston Rockets’ organization, it was only a matter of time before their superstar James Harden will enter the realm of trade rumors. And the time is now.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Harden has emerged as a target for the Philadelphia 76ers. Reportedly, Philly is determined to make a move for the 2018’s NBA MVP, although the Rockets are currently not interested.

If there is truth in these reports, then the interest is probably fueled by Daryl Morey, longtime Rockets’ general manager who recently became the 76ers’ new president of basketball operations. Morey was the one who brought Houston in 2012, and the two are believed to have a strong friendship.

As Charania points out, moving Harden isn’t an option that the Rockets consider at this point. The organization believes they have a title despite recent front office and head coaching changes and are looking into ways how to improve their roster rather than blow it up.

Any hypothetical trade for James Harden would have the potential to be the biggest in NBA history, considering what’s at stake. Harden has four straight All-NBA First team selections, has led the NBA in scoring in three out of the last four years, and has four top-three finishes in MVP voting alongside one award.

Still, don’t expect Morey to stop trying. He has a reputation of a risk-taker and isn’t strange to trying out long-shot moves even if they seem virtually impossible.

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