As the Houston Rockets prepare to open the regular season on Wednesday, they do so under a cloud of uncertainty in the face of their franchise. The Rockets do not intend to simply offer James Harden, eight-time All-Star, who has made it clear that he prefers a transaction to a competitor.
The dynamic of the confrontation will increase the tension as the season stops and there have been signs in recent days that the pressure is already beginning to unfold, sources told The Athletic.
Harden reported to the training camp a week late, on December 8, with the intention of keeping things professional with the team, despite his preference to participate in a competitor elsewhere, but the environment has become tense around the team in recent days.
As long as Harden remains on the roster, there will be a higher level of control around the team. All eyes will be on the Rockets and every move made, especially by Harden, will be dissected and interpreted in its context …