Former NBA MVP James Harden wants out of Houston. Bad.
How bad? Harden, in November, turned down a 2-year extension offer from the Rockets worth $103 million dollars and, in the same breath, demanded to be traded.
A power-move made by a player whose career has been defined by two things: scoring and drama.
In the summer of 2012 – after losing in the NBA finals to the Miami Heat – Harden turned down a 4-year contract extension from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was sick of playing third fiddle behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Three months later, Harden was traded to the Rockets.
After eight seasons in Houston, the me-first Harden has:
- Zero NBA finals appearances
- One MVP award
- Two burned bridges with future hall-of-famers Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook
Where would he like to go? Reports indicate Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Miami and…yes, Milwaukee are on the short-list. It is quite clear that Harden wants out of the western conference.
Before you get too giddy about the idea of Harden in Milwaukee. Ask yourself this: Will trading for Harden help the Bucks keep Giannis? It is the filter every decision made by the Bucks over the past two years has been poured through.
A gifted scorer and capable defender when interested, James Harden does not play well with stars. In fact, he often uses the media to take jabs at the NBA’s best. Including Giannis.
Harden will likely get his wish and be dealt from the Rockets to an eastern conference team. In the NBA, stars tend to get their way.
But, it takes two to tango…and the Bucks ain’t dancing.
