The Houston Rockets feel no pressure to trade James Harden or Russell Westbrook, regardless of the superstars’ intense desire to start with different franchises, and are “ready to get upset” with the opening of the training camp, sources told ESPN.
The front office fee of the Rockets, led by recently promoted general manager Raphael Stone, is firm that both players will not be traded until a team reaches the asking price.
The Rockets have no issue going to training camp and starting the season with Harden and Westbrook on the roster, even if the superstar is not unhappy with the situation.
A source has confirmed that the Rockets and Washington Wizards have discussed the Westbrook-for-John Wall deal, as first reported by Athletic, but wants assets in addition to Houston and Wall L, a former All-Star point guard who crashed Closing Achilles. Tendon.
The Rockets keep time by their side as both superstars are under contract for at least two more seasons. Harden and Westbrook have 133 million over three years – including final season player options – pending on their contracts.
According to sources, Rockets Harden, especially the public MVP candidate who has led the NBA for the past three seasons, has been demanding compensation in particular: a proven, young star as the centerpiece with a huge joint package, according to sources. . Sources said Houston does not consider it its duty to deliver Harden to the Brooklyn Net, its preferred destination.
The Rockets also understand that Westbrook, for which Houston gave up Chris Paul, will not order two first-round picks and two picks at Harden’s request last summer, a trade-like return to Harden. However, Houston is unwilling to deal with Westbrook without acquiring assets like youth talent or first-round picks.
Houston is hesitant to sell low on Westbrook, a third-team All-NBA pick last season, who struggled during the NBA’s re-start in the bubble, when he was working in shape after recovering from coronavirus and straining his right quarter Because she caused it. To miss many games and play injured during play miss fs.
The Rockets believe Westbrook, 322, who averaged 51. points, 9. reb rebounds and 8. ass assisted when the epidemic shot off .66..6% from the floor in the last month before the season ended – value with a strong start to the season, sources said. He has no worries that unhappiness could affect Westbrook’s efforts, which have a reputation as one of the league’s relentless rivals.
Meanwhile, the Rockets have begun filling stock stocks that could help the franchise after the final departure of both superstars.
They agreed on Monday night to trade Robert Cuwington with the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 16 pick in Wednesday’s draft, future first-round pick and forward Trevor Ariza, who could feel if Houston is or could be competitive this season. Valuable trade chip as expiring contract.
Sources said the Rockets are also hoping to buy a pick – at the end of the first round or at the beginning of the second round – in the draft on Wednesday.
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