Although Harden participated in two preseason games after a silent protest, his willingness to be traded never declined, and the team had to put Harden on the shelf. However, the rocket's exorbitant asking price and Harden's specific requirements made the transaction slow. But now maybe Harden and the Rockets have lowered their requirements, and many teams have offered olive branches.
The Rockets traded with the 76ers: Ben Simmons+Ferguson +202 1 first round signing+first round signing in 2023; Trading between Rockets and Nets: Levell+ Dinwiddie+Prince+first round signing in 2023+first round signing in 2025; Rockets and Knicks trade: RJ Barrett+Randall +202 1/2023/2025 first round signing +2 rounds signing; Rockets and Nuggets trade: Harris+Barton+Porter Jr. +202 1 first round signing+first round signing in 2025; Rockets and Warriors trade: Wiggins+Wiseman +202 1/2023/2025 signed the first round; In addition to all the eliminated western teams, many eastern teams are still "enthusiastic" about Harden, but judging from the quotations received, it seems that Si Tong is not satisfied. Compared with the Nets' reluctance to trade Owen, KD and other core players, Simmons, who has no three points in the 76ers, requires the strength to win the championship. Obviously, the offers of the Green Army and the Raptors are more attractive than those of other teams, and they are the most likely teams to get Harden at present. The Green Army gave Brown+other assets, and the Raptors gave Siakam+other assets.
First of all, last season, the records of these two teams were excellent, one reached the Eastern Conference finals and the other finished second in the Eastern Conference, which was more in line with Harden's requirements. Secondly, Siakam of the Raptors and Brown of the Celtics are young players with great potential. He averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 38.2% three-point shooting percentage per game. He has full potential to grow into a top star in the league and is already one of the best forwards in the East, which fully meets the expectations of the Rockets.
But after all, if you have to choose one, the upper limit of Siakam seems to be higher, and as long as the Raptors come up with good rotation players, Harden and Lori may also be loved by fans.