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Former Rockets Player Urges Team to Not Trade James Harden Away Despite Antics

Published 12/22/2020, 12:53 PM EST

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Ever since James Harden expressed his desire to leave the Rockets, the organization has been trying its best to fulfill his request. However, so far everything is at a stalemate, and Harden will start the season as a member of the Houston Rockets.

Regardless of that, the organization has been in constant touch with other teams to complete a trade. But former NBA player Kenny Smith believes the team should not give in to Harden’s demands.

Kenny Smith suggests a solution for James Harden trade saga

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USA Today via Reuters

Smith recently had an interview with TMZ Sports, where he pointed out why the Rockets should focus on convincing James to stay.

Nah, I’m not trading my best player if he’s not happy. He’s gotta have a better reason. You gotta have a better reason. He’s too good to just trade because he’s not happy.”

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Even if the Rockets decide to give in to Harden’s request, they probably won’t get the same level of talent in return.

“James Harden is a player that doesn’t come around every 10 years. So, you need a guy who doesn’t come around every 10 years to match that.”

Fortunately, Smith has a solution for this condition. In fact, this might be the best outcome for them, considering they have already lost Russell Westbrook this offseason.

“You have a long conversation — which I’m sure he should have already — and you say, ‘This is what we’re going to do to win a championship.’ It’s all about championship talk.”

At the end of day, both James Harden and the Rockets are chasing an NBA Championship. If they can win it together, there is nothing better for Rockets’ fans. However, can they call a truce and compete for an NBA Championship? We will know in the upcoming NBA season.

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Can the Houston Rockets rekindle good relations with Harden?

USA Today via Reuters

Over the last few seasons, Houston has provided a favorable roster to Harden each time. But he has choked on numerous important occasions. Maybe it’s time for James to change his approach to the game.

With new head coach Stephen Silas taking the helm of the franchise, there will be some major changes to their playing style. If Harden can stay with the franchise, this new system might prove effective for them.

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What are your thoughts on Kenny Smith’s advice to the Rockets? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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Written by:

Aikansh Chaudhary

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Aikansh Chaudhary is an NBA columnist for Essentially Sports. Previously, he helped rank various websites using the latest SEO techniques, and wrote over 2000 articles during his stint as a freelance writer. A die hard Lakers fan, Aikansh will forever uphold LeBron James as the GOAT.
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