James Harden Formally Requests Trade from Houston

James Harden finally showed up to Houston, received his standard Covid-testing, and sounds like he's essentially now asked to leave. The isolation-friendly shooting-guard has let the team know he would prefer a trade to a contender, and the Philadelphia 76ers have been named. 

Teams would be reluctant to give up the assets required to get a player of Harden’s caliber without confidence that he would be willing to remain long-term. Few contenders have ability to furnish Houston with the combination of assets that it’s seeking to consider dealing Harden. https://t.co/VQlSZCrUAa

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 8, 2020

Harden is under contract for the next three seasons, with the 2022-23 season being a player-option for the 31-year-old. While some may argue no team in their right mind is going to trade away their future for potentially only two seasons of Harden, if any team has a legit shot at acquiring the scoring machine, make no mistake they will try.

James Harden does not have veto power on any trade and still has 3 years left on his contract.

All 29 teams should be open for business. https://t.co/JUJv9Dxyvj

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 8, 2020

The 76ers don't want to part with either Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, and they don't have enough assets to entice the Rockets without either of those big names. 

One team to watch is the Boston Celtics, they are loaded with young talent and someone like Jaylen Brown and a slew of young assets could be enough to get the Rockets to listen. What about the Toronto Raptors? The team is trying to re-tool on the fly after losing Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka and Harden would definitely be a shot in the arm for the team. 

Don't expect Harden to be traded within the western conference, that's just bad business. 

Even though Harden wants to go to a contender, he has no trade-veto rights. Rockets fans would love to see him go to a bottom feeder. Cruel and unusual punishment, NBA edition.