James Harden trade rumors: Tracking the latest news as Rockets star eyes deals to Nets, 76ers

Billy Heyen

James Harden trade rumors: Tracking the latest news as Rockets star eyes deals to Nets, 76ers image

James Harden must like reunions.

While The Athletic has reported that the Rockets are fine going into the 2020-21 season with Harden still on their roster, that hasn't stopped reports from also leaking saying Harden sees Brooklyn and Philadelphia as desired trade destinations. With the Nets, Harden would reunite with former teammate Kevin Durant and join Kyrie Irving, while with the 76ers, it'd be former Houston general manager Daryl Morey trading for Harden after joining the Philadelphia front office. 

Rumors of a Harden deal have been coupled with reports that the Rockets could be looking to trade star point guard Russell Westbrook away, too. The NBA season is scheduled to begin Dec. 22, so there's not tons of time for new Houston GM Rafael Stone to get a deal or two done.

Sporting News will keep you up to date on the latest deals, rumors and speculation below.

MORE: Why a James Harden trade to the Nets would be complicated

James Harden trade rumors

Harden considers reunion with Kevin Durant

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: The idea of playing with Kyrie Irving and Durant, who paired with Harden in Oklahoma City from 2009-2012, is "resonating" with Harden. Trade discussions haven't been opened between Houston and Brooklyn as of this report on Nov. 15. 

Reported by: ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski

Harden trying to 'force' way out of Houston

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: Harden wants to move on from the Rockets and form a superteam in Brooklyn by forcing a trade to the Nets.

Reported by: Houston Chronicle

Harden wants to join a contender, with Brooklyn, Philadelphia as top destinations

Teams: Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers

Rumor: Harden continues to think about the idea of a trade and wants to join a contender. The Nets and 76ers are "believed to be his top desired trade destinations." This report also indicated Houston would be fine beginning the season with both Harden and Westbrook on its roster.

Reported by: The Athletic's Shams Charania

Harden rejects Rockets' $50 million-a-year extension offer, wants to join the Nets

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: Harden no longer believes he can win in Houston, and so he turned down a two-year, $103 max extension offer from the Rockets recently. The extension would bump his contract to five years and $236 million through the 2024-25 season. Harden's focus now is on joining Brooklyn to play with onetime teammate Kevin Durant, but trade talks have not advanced far as Houston feels no urgency to make a deal. 

Reported by: ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski

Billy Heyen