James Harden’s latest quote should have Rockets fans panicking

James Harden’s latest quote is a major “yikes” for the Houston Rockets.

James Harden has wanted a trade away from the Houston Rockets for months now, and while there was always the possibility that winning would help calm troubled waters, the team’s 3-6 start has put the Beard back in the same spot.

After Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Harden went to the podium and had a very simple, brief message for the media in virtual attendance: I tried, but I still want out of here.

“I love this city,” he said. “I’ve literally done everything I can. This situation is crazy. I don’t think it can be fixed. Thanks.”

And then he left the podium, essentially dropping the mic on the James Harden era in Houston.

James Harden still wants out

There was hope that Christian Wood, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins might be enough to help convince Harden that he could still win in H-Town, but that reality hasn’t materialized. Houston trailed 71-48 against the Lakers by halftime, and it’s becoming pretty clear this once-great Rockets squad just no longer measures up to the elite teams out in the Western Conference.

Say what you will about Harden’s shortcomings in the playoffs, but the man still wants to win a title, and he’s (rightfully) convinced he can no longer do so in Houston. He’s gone about it unprofessionally, showing up to training camp late, out of shape and tempting the fates with his lack of concern over COVID-19 being out in public, but the face of the franchise is now making it very clear that his trade desires haven’t dissipated.

The Rockets are in a tough spot now, because with Harden’s desire for a trade being common knowledge, they have no leverage in negotiating a deal for a perennial MVP candidate who would normally fetch them a gargantuan haul. Only time will tell how this situation works itself out, but Houston is running out of time before a toxic situation gets even worse.