NBA Rumors: James Harden Interested in Potential Trade to Nets

Stay up to date with all the latest NBA news and rumors ahead of the 2020 NBA draft on Nov. 18.

Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook reportedly wishes to leave Houston after just one season with the franchise, and it appears as though his co-star could also be seeking greener pastures prior to the 2020-21 season. 

James Harden is reportedly interested in a trade that would send him to the Nets, according to Sports Illustrated's Farbod Esnaashari as well as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe.

The three-time scoring champion is reportedly intrigued by the idea of reuniting with former teammate Kevin Durant, according to Wojnarowski, as well as the opportunity to play alongside Kyrie Irving. After forming a superstar duo in 2019-20, perhaps a Big 3 is in store for Harden in 2020-21.

ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne and @ZachLowe_NBA: As Houston’s James Harden considers his future with franchise, one possible trade destination is rising to top of his list: Brooklyn. The idea of reuniting with Kevin Durant and joining Kyrie Irving is resonating with Harden.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2020

The Nets possess several enticing young players whom the Rockets could acquire in such a deal. 

A source is telling me that the Nets have engaged in talks with the Rockets. James Harden for a variation of: Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, and Jarrett Allen.

Nothing finalized, but Harden to Nets seems like real possibility. If finalized, announced on Nov 22.

— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 14, 2020

A Harden trade is anything but guaranteed before opening night on Dec. 22. The Rockets currently plan to "run it back" with Harden in 2020-21, rebuffing trade offers from opposing teams, per Wojnarowski and Lowe. Harden is likely to be in Houston on opening night. But after eight straight playoff appearances without a Finals berth, the clock on the Harden era could be ticking.

Check out the latest news and notes from around the NBA.

• Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday continues to be the focus of league-wide trade interest. (Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated)
• The Lakers have reportedly agreed in principle on a deal for Thunder guard Dennis Schröder. (Shams Charnia, The Athletic)
• The Lakers had explored a possible trade for Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe. (Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated)
• The Bucks pursued a trade with the Thunder for Dennis Schroder and were deep in trade negotiations last week. (Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer)
• The Lakers are reportedly interested in signing free-agent guard Wesley Matthews. (Marc Stein, The New York Times)
• The NBA's play-in tournament still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors, but it is apparently a formality. (Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN)
• Former NBA veteran Corey Brewer is joining the Pelicans in a player development role. (Mark Berman, FOX32)
• The NBA G League plans to have its elite Ignite team face G League alumni in closed-door scrimmages in Walnut Creek on Nov. 15-22. (Shams Charania, The Athletic)
• The deadline for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign his extension is Dec. 21. (Bobby Marks, ESPN)