Why it’s an ideal time for the Houston Rockets to trade James Harden
A little more than a month after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals in five games, the Houston Rockets have since parted ways with head coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey. Executive vice president of basketball operations Rafael Stone is expected to be promoted to take over Morey’s duties for the Rockets. The team is still in the process of hiring a new head coach.
Despite losing in the second round of the playoffs for the second-straight season after nearly pulling off the upset of the century against the Golden State Warriors in 2018, changes were expected for the Rockets. However, I’m not sure anyone expected Houston to part ways with its head coach and general manager a month ago.
Nevertheless, here we are.
Heading into the offseason, it’s not surprising that there are many questions surrounding both this team’s immediate and not-so-distant future. It’s already been reported that Russell Westbrook (who the team acquired last summer in a deal centered around Chris Paul) could be shopped, the one player that many are keeping their eyes on regarding a potential trade is James Harden.
Interestingly enough, while it still would be highly unlikely for the Rockets, this might be the perfect time for Houston to move Harden. Here are three reasons why.