The addition of John Wall hasn’t changed James Harden‘s stance on his future in Houston, as the Rockets star is unmoved and uninterested in a new partnership and continues to push for a trade, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
Wall was hopeful Harden would be open to playing alongside him.
The former No. 1 overall pick has shown signs of his previous All-Star form, averaging 17 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 boards across a pair of preseason appearances. It’s been Wall’s first taste of NBA action since December 2018.
“I think me and James can be a heck of a combination,” Wall told reporters after Sunday’s preseason loss to the Chicago Bulls. “I just hope we get the opportunity to get into the regular season and see how it goes.”
Harden’s opposition to working out a backcourt partnership with Wall reportedly isn’t personal and he apparently intends on being professional and engaged when he rejoins the team for Monday’s practice.
The Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks are said to be Harden’s preferred trade destinations.
Houston is reportedly seeking a young franchise cornerstone as well as multiple first-round draft picks and/or young talent on rookie contracts.
The Rockets have apparently engaged in trade talks with the Nets and 76ers. Neither side has reportedly expressed interest in including Kyrie Irving in a potential deal, while Philadelphia is said to be unwilling to part with Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons.
Smirfitts Speech 