Rockets’ James Harden ‘Unavailable’ After Violating Health and Safety Protocols

Carmen Mandato/Associated Press

The Houston Rockets reportedly do not know when James Harden will be available to play at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the NBA ruled him “unavailable due to violation of health and safety protocols” and still does not have a set timetable for when he will be cleared to play. It is also unclear whether the league will punish him.

There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the Rockets, as Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed after three Houston players returned positive or inconclusive COVID-19 tests and four others quarantined as a result of contact tracing.

Harden’s status has been a major storyline leading up to the season.

Shelburne reported he tested negative for COVID-19 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and noted the eight-time All-Star told the league he thought he was following NBA health and safety protocols even though photographs circulated of him at a gathering without a mask.

Harden said he tried to maintain distance from others by using a separate entrance and sitting in a different area than other guests. He also said he took a picture with his friend while giving her a gift and left after about 30 minutes.

Harden posted a message on his Instagram page explaining the situation amid the league’s investigation:

There is also the question of whether the three-time scoring champion will be traded this season, as Houston already moved Russell Westbrook. Wojnarowski reported in November that “Harden has made it clear to ownership that he’s singularly focused on a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.”

He is still a member of the Rockets for now as the team awaits his clearance and the first game of the season following Wednesday’s postponement.

Houston is scheduled to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.