Even before the 2020-21 NBA season started, the future of James Harden has been one of the hottest topics in the league. After being with the franchise for 8 years, Harden finally demanded a trade this offseason. But so far, the Rockets have not entertained any trade packaged for their franchise star.

The Beard even handed in the list of his favorite destinations, but the teams were reluctant to invest in the 31-year-old. However, he has proved yet again that age is no match for his insane scoring ability. In the first few games, he is already averaging 37.0 points per game!

Nick Wright gives his take on the James Harden trade saga

NBA analyst Nick Wright talked about what the Rockets can get for James Harden in a recent episode of “First Things First.” He believes Harden is too valuable to be traded in nothing but a spectacular trade package.

“He is his own worst enemy in a bad way with some of the Instagram off court shenanigans… But he is his own worst enemy in a good way, he had 33-6-8 last night and it was unquestionably his worst game of the year.

“He’s too good. There are 4 human beings alive, if they are healthy guarantee you a playoff berth – LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden. That’s the list.”

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Nick further points out the Rockets should ask for a similar package to that of Anthony Davis. Davis arrived in Los Angeles last year in a blockbuster trade, which many believed was too much, even for a player of his caliber. However, as it turned out, the purple and gold won an NBA Champion in just his first season.

“… He is so good if you are Houston, you look at, OK, what did New Orleans get for Anthony Davis? They got the 4th pick in the draft, they got a former #2 pick, another former #2 pick and Josh Hart. They got all this and by the way 2 future picks in swaps.

“… If you are the Rockets, you have to trade him for at least 85 cents on a dollar. And 95 cents on a dollar for a walking playoff berth is at least the Anthony Davis haul.”

What’s next for Harden and the Rockets?

Despite having a clumsy start this season, the Rockets are still one of the favorites to clinch a playoff berth. Furthermore, they are still not at their 100% strength. Both John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are still adjusting to their new environment.

Once the trio get accustomed to each other, the sky is the limit for them. But can they do it before the Rockets inevitably trade away James Harden? That is the million dollar question right now.