NBA Rumors: Harden-Westbrook Squabble Led To Houston Rockets Failed Take-Off

Managing two NBA superstars in James Harden and Russell Westbrook is something experts felt would never prosper.

Despite that, the Houston Rockets disregarded those concerns and went on to play the 2019-20 season which did not end too well.

Harden and Westbrook, alleging that they could co-exist, ended up seeking trades. It turns out that there were some details most never knew, the brunt of which was the special treatment for “The Beard.”

Westbrook was not a fan of tardiness. One staffer alleges that things never started on time, including plane departures and bus rides.

An example of this was the NBA bubble. At one point, Harden needed to undergo a daily COVID-19 test as the Rockets were scheduled to do a film session.

Westbrook wanted the team to start the session without Harden. Former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni tried to calm the situation, saying they would just start over once the former NBA MVP was there. Unfortunately, that did not sit well with the league's ex-scoring champion.

It may be a petty thing for some, but the reality is that there was some beef going on between Westbrook and Harden. Minor as it may seem, the failure of the Rockets to address the issue has now gone full-blown.

Both players asked for trades with Westbrook being the first one to be dealt out. He is now with the Washington Wizards and the Rockets ended up getting John Wall.

With Westbrook out, most saw the probability of Harden staying for good. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case, with the 31-year-old still seeking a trade.

So far, nothing has picked up although teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are getting linked to the eight-time All-Star.

A reason for this is probably because Harden has grown tired of going through the rebuilding process and wants to contend for an NBA title.

Wall is a proven and tested NBA veteran, but the Rockets need to add more players to help them if they aim to make it to the playoffs. They had a formidable roster last season with Harden and Westbrook at the lead but still fell short.

The Rockets need to decide soon on Harden. But at the rate things are going, only a blockbuster deal makes sense unless he has a change of heart and elects to stay in Houston.