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FILE – Houston Rockets’ James Harden # leaves the court following their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista , Florida. Michael Reaves / Getty Images / AFP
James Harden added optional roads to his Houston exit strategy.
Athletic reported Thursday that Harden officially made a trade demand and the Rockets’ All-Star included the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat on a new list of preferred destinations.
Harden previously informed the Rockets through his agent that he was willing to accept a trade with the Brooklyn Nets or the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Rockets, under a new administration with team president Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni, expect big loot in exchange for the eight-time All-Star, The Athletic reported.
Harden was unsure of his future with the Rockets after D’Antoni retired and Morey left for the same job in Philadelphia.
Houston, under new general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas, traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and signed free agents Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins.
But Harden, 31, said he doesn’t see Houston as a contender for an NBA title.
The Bucks made multiple moves this offseason and parted ways with significant draft capital to land guard Jrue Holiday. The team faces a December 21 deadline to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a five-year supermax contract or risk the 26-year-old entering free agency next summer.
Antetokounmpo recently said he would welcome the arrival of another star player, and Harden would possibly qualify as a former MVP and a three-time scoring champion.
The Heat stunned last season as Eastern Conference champions, and with Pat Riley at the helm, you always have to consider running the star players.
Miami could offer a mix of young players and draft picks to attract the Rockets, but it is also believed that the Heat will maintain their cash and assets for a chance to sign Antetokounmpo. Without a doubt, Harden could play a role as a volume scorer with either team. His style of play doesn’t exactly fit Miami, which has a swing offense based on ball movement and thrives on defense.
Field media
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