The arrival of John Wall has left James Harden “unmoved and uninterested in pursuing a new partnership” and Harden continues to push for a trade, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
After making his Rockets debut in the first preseason game, Wall expressed his desire to play alongside Harden.
“I think me and James can be a heck of a combination,” he said after the team’s 104-91 loss to the Chicago Bulls. “I just hope we get the opportunity to get into the regular season and see how it goes.”
This isn’t personal with Wall, as there’s “no change” in Harden’s desire for a fresh start elsewhere, notes Wojnarowski.
The Rockets have talked with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers about a possible trade for Harden.
The Rockets have reportedly asked the 76ers for three first round picks in addition to Ben Simmons, but the 76ers have so far been unwilling to include Simmons in any trade proposals.
Harden, 31, is expected to pass his sixth COVID-19 test today which would then clear him to begin practicing with the team.
“For the Rockets, this is necessary for the team to operate under new coach Stephen Silas while also allowing for some leverage in the trade market to get closer to full value for Harden. The appearance of a distressed asset only hinders an organization in making a trade of this magnitude, and Harden has expressed understanding of that concept, as well as the idea that it may take time to find a trade that returns appropriate value to the Rockets,” sources said.
Adrian Wojnarowski
Despite being cleared, it’s unclear if Harden will actually practice with the team.
