The Houston Rockets plan to keep James Harden away from the team until they can complete a deal involving the star guard, sources for Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN said.
The Houston headquarters currently weighs the best final business deals from the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, Wojnarowski and Shelburne sources say.
Missile coach Stephen Silas told reporters that Harden will not be in training on Wednesday, a day after the former league MVP said the team was “not good enough” after taking a beating against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I felt it was better for the group and better for James not to come to practice,” Silas said.
Harden, the closest he has ever come to a public trade bid, said after Tuesday’s 117-100 loss that he did not believe the Rockets could be “solved on their own” and that “I did literally everything I could.” “.
The Houston head office has been determined to be patient until Harden’s sale price is reached, sources told ESPN. The Rockets have informed the teams that they want a cornerstone of the young franchise and a first-round election package and / or interesting talent in the rookie contracts in exchange for Harden, the sources said.
Harden made it clear to owner Tilman Fertitta before the season that he did not believe in the franchise’s direction and ability to compete and preferred to be traded to a team that was in a better position to win, sources said.
Fertitta was disappointed, but told Harden that he would explore the Rockets exchange market. Since then, he has permanently assured Harden that he will change and empowered new general manager Rafael Stone to change the three-time champion, who is three years and 133 million dollars, with the option of a player for the final season. remaining. from the contract, when you find a business you like.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon contributed to this report.