The Houston Rockets plan to keep James Harden away from the team until they can complete a transaction with the Star Guard, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
Houston headquarters is currently weighing in on the best final business offerings from the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, sources Wojnarowski and Shelburne say.
Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters that Harden would not be in practice on Wednesday, a day after the former league MVP said the team is “just not good enough” after beating the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We felt it was the best for the group and the best for James not to come and train,” said Silas.
Harden, as close to a public trading demand as possible, said after Tuesday’s loss of 117-100 that he doesn’t think the Rockets can “fix themselves” and that “I’ve literally done everything I could.”
The Houston headquarters were determined to be patient until Harden’s sale price was reached, sources told ESPN. The Rockets had informed teams that they want a fledgling franchise cornerstone and pack of first-round picks and / or intriguing talent on rookie contracts in exchange for Harden, sources said.
Harden made it clear to owner Tilman Fertitta before the season that he did not believe in the direction and ability of the franchise to compete and that he would rather be traded to a team in a better position to win, sources said.
Fertitta was disappointed, but told Harden he would explore the foreign exchange market on the Rockets schedule. Since then, he has continued to give Harden guarantees that he will trade him, and has empowered new general manager Rafael Stone to trade the three-time-scoring champion, who is three years old and $ 133 million with a player option for the last remaining season. . of your contract, when you find a deal you like.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon contributed to this report.