The Houston Rockets’ interest in James Harden “cooled” after the franchise hired Ime Udoka as the new head coach, according to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. The Rockets used their league-leading cap space on Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green, Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday.
“The Rockets’ interest in reacquiring him as a free agent cooled after they hired Ime Udoka as their head coach in late April, sources said,” Shelburne wrote. “Udoka was trying to set a new culture in Houston, not bring back the past. He wanted to target defensive-minded players like Memphis’ Dillon Brooks and Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez.”
Harden is one of the greatest players in Rockets franchise history. He’s first all-time in 3-point field goals, free throws, assists, triple-doubles, points per game, player efficiency rating, offensive win shares and box plus-minus.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets Updates
During the 2017-18 season, Harden averaged 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists, winning the MVP Award and leading the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals. However, the Golden State Warriors defeated Houston in seven games.
Harden requested a trade from the Rockets in 2020-21 and was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. The 10-time All-Star played in 80 games with the Nets before getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021-22. Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists this past season for the Sixers. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
The 34-year-old Harden opted into his 2023-24 player option and worked with the Sixers on a trade. The three-time scoring champion wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and is extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets Updates
The Sixers, though, have ended Harden trade talks with the Clippers and expect the future Hall of Famer to show up to camp. Harden doesn’t plan to report to training camp if he’s still on the Sixers, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
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