The problems between the Houston Rockets and their star player, James Harden, have been on display for quite some time, as he has often made it clear that he doesn’t want to be on the team anymore.
After Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, in which LeBron James hit a sweet no-look 3-pointer, Harden crushed the franchise during his press conference and then seemed to say goodbye before getting up and walking away from the media.
Harden said the Rockets are “just not good enough. I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.”
James Harden did not take any more questions after this. That's as close to publicly demanding a trade as you can get. https://t.co/knUpb3Iopb
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 13, 2021
Here’s the video of that moment. This ending seemed like he wants to just leave the team:
"I love this city. I've literally done everything I can. This situation is crazy. It’s something I don’t think can be fixed. Thanks."
—James Harden on the Rockets pic.twitter.com/LcPLn09TgE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 13, 2021
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted shortly after that:
James Harden's aware that the Rockets are continuing to discuss trade scenarios with teams, although no deal is imminent, sources tell ESPN. Houston's asking price remains steep, as you'd expect it would for a player of Harden's caliber. https://t.co/I4RuHgzcvU
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
John Wall, meanwhile, spoke more like a leader:
“It’s only been nine games. Come on, man, you want to jump off the cliff after nine games?"
John Wall on James Harden reportedly wanting out of Houston pic.twitter.com/rmevt9SntW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 13, 2021
NBA Twitter had reactions to Harden’s press conference:
Harden, talking about the chemistry issues in Houston pic.twitter.com/n4ikGkB1ca
— Nick Tuths (@NickTuths) January 13, 2021
This is how James Harden walked off the podium tonight. It sounded like a farewell pic.twitter.com/fnY2h6dnHP
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) January 13, 2021
Rockets and Nets need to go ahead make that Kyrie for Harden trade happen ASAP!!! Don’t mind me tho. Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 13, 2021
Looks like James Harden is ready to leave Houston pic.twitter.com/7e2UsYJHpr
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 13, 2021
