Reading up on this from an ESPN.com article this morning, Harden comes off as selfish a player as I've ever seen. Publicly stating his team isn't good enough to contend, showing up insanely out of shape, and passive aggressively demanding a trade. What is even crazier to me than him is Houston's demands for a 31-year-old, dribble-heavy ball-hog that hasn't been able to play with other stars his entire career.
Here's what Houston wants:
"The Rockets have informed teams that they want a young franchise cornerstone and a package of first-round picks and/or intriguing talent on rookie contracts in return for Harden, sources said." - per ESPN.com article
Harden doesn't have a no-trade clause either. So when the New York Knicks decide to send the Rockets all of their assets to make a "splash" and bring in a star, don't be surprised.
Knicks Get: James Harden
Rockets Get: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox, Mavs 2021 1st Round Pick, Knicks 2022 & 2023 1st Round Picks, Knicks 2024 1st Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)