'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the NBA, we hadn't heard a peep about James Harden the whole entire day...
...until around 6:00 pm, when the streak of days with a James Harden rumor continued thanks to a report from NBA insiders Sam Amick and Kelly Iko. According to Amick and Iko, Harden expanded his list of trade destinations, which previously included the Philadelphia 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat, to include two new teams.
Perhaps it's because it seems as though there isn't much interest — we've heard that stated as fact from the last two teams on that list after further developments — or just because he's not as picky anymore, but regardless of the reasoning, Harden has now included the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Celtics were one of the many teams that were reported to have had "exploratory talks" with the Rockets regarding a deal for the disgruntled Harden, whose violation of COVID protocols, disagreements with teammates in practice and various other issues have made it nearly impossible to visualize him sticking around in Houston all year. The Celtics have some attractive pieces that Houston would ask for, including Jaylen Brown, who opened up the year with a stellar performance against the Bucks.
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The Blazers, on the other hand, have relied on their superstar backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum to carry them into the postseason over the years. And let me let you in on a little secret that doesn't need to be said: Damian Lillard ain't going anywhere. McCollum, draft capital, and some other young bench pieces would likely be the package, which is a lot to offer and may not be what the Blazers are looking to do.
Harden's trade value is obviously high on the court, but the offseason drama that has surrounded him is likely making him a less attractive asset, which is what is reportedly occurring in Houston. Amick and Iko report that Houston was disappointed in Harden's decision to go to an indoor Christmas party on Monday, with their frustration "stem(ming) from the trust and confidence placed in Harden" to be the leader of the franchise on and off the floor.
Will any team come biting at the immensely talented and proven, yet recently controversial, superstar? It may not be long until we find out.
More Harden news:
- Every Sixers, James Harden rumor in one place
- Report: James Harden displaying 'uncharacteristic level of frustration,' threw ball at rookie in practice
- James Harden refuses to answer question about how he currently feels about Rockets
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