Apparently Adding John Wall Hasn't Changed James Harden's Mind One Bit And He Still Wants Out Of Houston

Rob Carr. Getty Images.

(ESPN) - The arrival of John Wall has left All-NBA guard James Harden unmoved and uninterested in pursuing a new partnership, and the franchise star continues to push the Houston Rockets for a trade, sources told ESPN.

After making his Rockets preseason debut this past weekend, Wall expressed hope that Harden might become excited about playing with him in a backcourt -- a prospect that Harden is rejecting as he prepares to rejoin the team Monday in practice, sources said.

"I think me and James can be a heck of a combination," Wall told reporters after the Rockets' 104-91 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night. "I just hope we get the opportunity to get into the regular season and see how it goes."

This isn't personal with Wall, and as one source told ESPN, there's "no change" in Harden's desire for a fresh start elsewhere.

Advertisement

Wait, I'm a little confused. What happened to the reports that James Harden preferred John Wall to Russell Westbrook and that's why the Rockets made that trade? What happened to John Wall apparently having a "great talk" with James Harden about teaming up?

Well either a lot has changed in a week, or this was all bullshit to begin with. You be the judge. Here's what I don't get though. Has Harden seen what John Wall looks like currently? I know he missed two seasons, but this dude looks GREAT

Advertisement

He said last night that he feels faster than ever before. Even faster than high school John Wall. Does James Harden know how fast that is? I could understand if Harden still wanting out if he saw Wall in these two preseason games and he didn't look great. But it couldn't be further from that! Wall looks like the All NBA player he was pre-injury. If Boogie is also 100%, why can't this team be competitive in the West when you add in an MVP caliber player like Harden? 

The season is about to start, you would think now would not be the time for Harden to keep pulling this shit and just show up to work and make the best of the situation. For the millionth time, he has no leverage. He's under contract for 3 more years. The Rockets don't have to do a damn thing, and have done everything possible to bring in guys who Harden supposedly liked in order to make him happy. Unless he plans on sitting out and wasting years of his prime, I'm not sure what good this does. Play the two guaranteed years and then opt out by turning down your player option in Year 3. Then you can go wherever you want. Unfortunately few teams are going to have the cap space to afford Harden, so that's why he needs the Rockets to trade him.

I would have thought that after Harden saw how good Wall has looked in these last to preseason games that he'd at least be willing to get on board and give it a shot. If you are to believe that source it sounds like that's not happening which means we're only getting started in what should be a season long drama. Buckle up.