According to ESPN's Woj report, Harden rejected a two-year, $103 million contract extension provided by the Rockets. The reason is that Harden hopes to be traded to the Nets so that he can form a super big three with Durant and Irving. Harden has submitted an application to leave the team, waiting for the Rockets' approval.
Faced with a two-year, 103 million epic-level contract, Harden was unmoved and decided to leave the Rockets. It seems that Harden considers more than money, but more of his own value. From the Thunder's 11-12 season best sixth man to the Rockets team leader, what Harden lacks is not strength, but a better platform.
On June 7, 2012, James Harden's Thunder team defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-2, won the Western Conference championship and entered the finals. On June 22, 2012, the Thunder lost 1-4 to the Miami Heat in the finals and missed the championship. That was Harden’s closest experience to an NBA championship. The three Thunder cried and comforted each other. It was their lingering pain.
Harden was traded to the Rockets for several seasons and never reached the NBA finals. He has reached the Western Conference Finals twice and lost to the Warriors both times. In the 2019/20 season, Harden averaged 34.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game with the Rockets. He shot 44.4% from the field, 35.5% from three-pointers, and 86.5% from free throws. Leading scoring for two consecutive seasons and the 18-year regular season MVP, Harden too needs an NBA championship ring.
On the Nets side, the Nets already have two superstars, Irving and Durant. Harden can relieve a lot of pressure on both the offensive and defensive ends. There is no need to rely on a single offensive as during the Rockets. Every key shot is cheered by the people, and a miss is an abyss. The pressure of the entire team is on Harden, he is too tired and tired. The Nets have not won an NBA championship since the establishment of the team in 1967. From the trade to Irving and Durant, it can be seen that the Nets have a championship dream. Chasing Harden must be no worse than the Rockets' treatment. I hope the Nets can form the Big Three and win the championship next season!
