According to ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon, a source revealed that the Rockets have no pressure on trading Harden and Westbrook. Although these two superstars are eager to have a new start on different teams, the Rockets are "willing to start in training camp." And feel uncomfortable at the beginning of the season."
Rockets management insists that unless there is an offer that can satisfy the team, Harden and Westbrook will not be traded.
Although Harden and Westbrook are dissatisfied with this situation, the Rockets have no problem with them both in training camp and at the beginning of the season.
Earlier today, according to a well-known journalist Shams report, it was confirmed that the Rockets and Wizards had discussed Westbrook’s exchange for Wall, but Houston also wanted other assets besides Wall, although Wall is the former All-star point guard, but he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon injury.
And the Rockets also listed the conditions for trading the two:
Rockets have a particularly high asking price for Harden, who has been a candidate for MVP all year round and has led the league in scoring in the past three seasons. The Rockets hope to get a young star and a large number of draft picks from the Harden deal. It is reported that the Rockets are not obliged to send Harden to his preferred club, the Nets.
As for Westbrook, the Rockets are reluctant to trade Westbrook at a low price. It is reported that the Rockets believe in the 32-year-old Westbrook-averaging 31.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists and shooting in the two and a half months before the coronavirus outbreak The shooting percentage is 52.6%, and they can restore their value strongly at the beginning of the season. They are not worried that their unhappy mood will affect Westbrook's effort.
So the Rockets hope to get young potential players, or a lot of first-round picks, as a condition for trading Westbrook.
Rockets now have plenty of time to consider, because the contracts of these two superstars are at least two seasons away. Both Harden and Westbrook have three years of contracts with $133 million left, including player options for the final season. From the perspective of the Rockets,
believes that in order to replace one of them, it is bound to pay a lot of chips to have a chance to conclude a deal. After all, they are not in a hurry to make a deal.
At the same time, the Rockets have begun to reserve assets, and there is news that the Rockets hope to buy a first-round and second-round pick in the draft.
Yesterday, the Rockets and the Blazers reached a deal. They sent Covington to get Ariza, as well as a first-round 16 pick this year and a first-round protected pick next year.
