The Houston Rockets are now gearing up for the upcoming season with some big changes in the team. Following the departures of Daryl Morey and Mike D’Antoni, they have a new GM and a new head coach. But stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook are reportedly not on board with these changes.

ESPN reported that “Harden and Westbrook have expressed concern about the direction of the franchise through direct conversations or discussions with their representatives and the Rockets’ front office.”

Morey was one of the best GMs in the league, so it would always be hard to have a similar caliber replacement. While D’Antoni was a good coach too, in recent years, he seemed tactically outsmarted every time in the playoffs. So D’Antoni leaving was a good thing for the Rockets.

Will James Harden and Russell Westbrook stay?

The new management has reiterated that they want to keep this dynamic duo together. They still want to contend and be one of the best teams in the league. But Harden and Westbrook’s concerns are now making the management rethink their statements.

ESPN also mentioned that the Rockets organization is “fearful that the superstars’ commitment to remaining with the Rockets could be wavering.”

Harden and Westbrook are set to earn over $40 million in the upcoming season, and that number is only going upwards. While Harden is the cornerstone of the franchise and might not be moved, the same cannot be said about Westbrook. He had a poor playoff performance and was one of the main reasons they lost.

Recently, there were rumors linking him with a move to the Clippers and Knicks. So it won’t be surprising if the Rockets ship him away.

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Rockets management want to win now

Recently promoted GM Rafael Stone said that the Rockets are not backing down from any challenge. He believes having Harden on the team will always help them to stay as contenders.

Stone said, “We’re going to continue to be extraordinarily aggressive. Our goal is still to win a championship, and if you’ve got him, you’re halfway there. It’s incumbent on me and Stephen and the whole team to figure out the rest of the whole, but the key piece is there.”