NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Could Enter James Harden Sweepstakes

KEY POINTS

James Harden is unlikely to join the Minnesota Timberwolves
Harden remains silent as he waits for a trade to happen
The Houston Rockets are still searching for a trade partner

James Harden is back in Houston, but questions are in the air on how long he will stay there.

The Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to the eight-time All-Star, but nothing has gone beyond speculations.

Hence, it appears that it is a wide-open race for the 31-year-old guard although teams with the budget to spare are likely to go beyond exploratory situations. One franchise that could enter the fray is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Considering the T-Wolves are in the semi-rebuild mode, it would take much to get Harden to the fold. They do have an interesting piece in Anthony Edwards that could entice the Rockets.

But seeing how his contract is under $10 million, Minnesota would have to add more assets to make it work. Furthermore, he can only be traded 30 days after he signs his rookie contract, Ben Beecken said on the Locked On Wolves Podcast.

The names of Malik Beasley and Ricky Rubio have been suggested, but there is a time element involved.

Since he was recently acquired, the T-Wolves can only trade Rubio after Dec. 9. On Beasley’s part, he cannot be traded until February.

While this is an option, Harden may not be inclined to head to Minnesota. In a previous post, a source revealed that the 2018 NBA MVP would not mind joining a contender if a deal with the Sixers does not materialize.

For now, there are a lot of questions going around on what the future holds for “The Bearded One.” One person on the Rockets’ side suffering from all of it is first-year head coach Stephen Silas.

Silas has kept the faith, hoping that Harden will stay. Both have not discussed anything, with the Rockets coach stating that all he was able to do is say hello, ESPN reported.

Harden and the Rockets will be monitored closely from here on. But without question, Harden wants out.

He turned down a $103 million contract offer, clearly indicating that he wants to play elsewhere. But right now, the big question is which team is willing to pick up the tab.