James Harden has rejected a two-year, $103 million extension offer from the Houston Rockets and has a singular focus to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden would have become the NBA’s first player to earn more than $50 million in a single season with the deal.
Harden currently cannot become a free agent until 2022.
The front offices of the Rockets and Nets have been in contact, but no meaningful discussions have occurred over a Harden trade. The Rockets doubt the Nets are capable of constructing a trade package for Harden that would fulfill what they’re seeking for Harden.
The Rockets believe they can be patient with a potential Harden trade and prefer to keep him long-term.
Harden doesn’t see the Rockets as being capable of continuing to chase a title and joining up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is his best chance to win one. One source described Harden as having “his AD moment” in reference to Anthony Davis forcing his way from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers.
