Report: James Harden declines record-breaking extension

Wizards

Report: James Harden declines record-breaking extension

Rockets star James Harden wants out of Houston and apparently, no amount of money will change that wish.

The eight-time All-Star rejected a contract extension from Houston — one that would have made him the first $50 million per year player in league history — this offseason, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

By declining the extension, Harden has made it clear to Houston that he wants to be traded, per Wojnarowski, with the Brooklyn Nets as his desired destination. ESPN first reported that the Nets were Harden’s top choice on Sunday.

In Brooklyn, Harden would reunite with his former Oklahoma City teammate and 2014 MVP Kevin Durant, as well as six-time All-Star Kyrie Irving. The trio would almost certainly make Brooklyn the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.

While Harden wants out, Houston has been reluctant to trade their superstar and is willing to wait for the right package. The Rockets are also unsure Brooklyn has the pieces that would intrigue Houston into making a deal, according to Wojnarowski.

Harden’s backcourt mate, Russell Westbrook, has also reportedly asked to be traded, too. Both Harden and Westbrook aren’t sold about the future of the Rockets and ability to win a championship in Houston, especially with head coach Mike D’Antoni and GM Daryl Morey no longer in the picture.

Harden has three years and $133 million remaining on his current deal but has the ability to opt-out of his contract following the 2021-22 season.