The Miami Heat are no longer engaging the Houston Rockets when it comes to James Harden, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Conversation between the two teams “never was more than cursory.”
The Heat were previously in a similar situation, shutting down trade rumors about Jimmy Butler before the 2018-2019 season, only to eventually sign him during the 2019 offseason.
The franchise’s approach has been to push the speculation aside with the season about to begin.
“One high ranking Heat official had strong interest in a Harden deal, per source in frequent contact with Heat front office. If Rockets change their mind and accept less than what they’re seeking now, Heat very likely would re-engage. But Rockets standing firm.”
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald
It was recently reported that the Heat and Harden had mutual interest and Tyler Herro wasn’t considered “untouchable” in a potential trade.
If the Heat wanted a real shot at acquiring Harden without giving up Butler or Bam Adebayo, they would likely have to give up young players like Herro, Duncan Robinson, or Kendrick Nunn and veterans Andre Iguodala and Kelly Olynyk.
The situation surrounding Harden will continuously be monitored by teams throughout the season.
