NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets James Harden Trade Final; Dwight Howard Triumphs Over The Beard?

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers
Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to pass against the defense of Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) and guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Rockets won 118-104. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets are falling far behind the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Initially pegged as a worthy opponent to Stephen Curry, the great James Harden is now the subject of NBA trade rumors. Moreover, detractors have criticized his locker room rifts with Dwight Howard and Ty Lawson as well as his very public romance and breakup with "KUWTK" star Khloe Kardashian. As the NBA season heats up, The Beard reportedly finds himself in the trading block.

As the Klay Thompson and Draymond Green team secure the top spot in the league, the Houston Rockets struggle to keep up in an effort to make it to the NBA playoffs. However, the neverending issues - with The Beard constantly in the center - seem to push the team further away from their goal. Moreover, the disconnect among the basketball stars in the roster never fails to show itself in the hardwood court. To top it all off, Harden is now injured and will sit out the next games which are crucial to the Houston Rockets at this point.

"The explosiveness wasn't there," shared Harden of his condition. He added, "I felt I was a couple steps behind. It's frustrating, especially when you're starting to get in a groove." The Beard injured his ankle during a close match against the Atlanta Hawks. If his ankle does not feel better soon, the Houston Rockets will be without their best shooter in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook healthy, the Patrick Beverly team will undoubtedly need every player's help.

This situation, albeit disadvantageous to the Houston Rockets, is viewed as an ideal opportunity for fans who believe that Harden must go. With his spotty record in the hardwood court and lack of chemistry with even some of the best NBA stars, such as Jeremy Lin, The Beard might be the root of the problem of the team. Hence, some analysts believe that the Houston Rockets might benefit more from simply putting him up for trade and signing a new franchise face.

If the Houston Rockets do decide to trade Harden, then that would mean victory for Howard. According to a previous Gospel Herald report, the former Los Angeles Lakers star has never managed to establish a good working chemistry with The Beard. In addition, the sheer number of turnovers of Harden this NBA season weakens the team's performance. However, it seems that the Houston Rockets are not yet decided on the rumored NBA trade. For JB Bickerstaff, Harden remains an important and useful member of the roster.

"It's a feel for how teams are going to defend him each and every night," said Bickerstaff of the turnovers. The Houston Rockets interim head coach added, "I think now, people are sending a ton of bodies at him. Now, on his drives to the basket, they are being allowed to be more physical with him. He just has to make that adjustment. He's obviously good enough to do it."

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