Harden reports to Rockets camp, begins COVID-19 testing protocols
FILE — James Harden of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round on September 02, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP
James Harden reported to Houston Rockets training camp on Tuesday and took his first COVID-19 test, coach Stephen Silas said.
Harden took his test at the Toyota Center, ending a two-day holdout and adding another chapter to the saga that began when he turned down a record extension from the Rockets last month and instead asked for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
“That’s pretty much all I know,” Silas said. “Him getting tested is good for everybody.”
Harden needs to test negative for the virus for two days before he can begin practicing with the team.
Silas, the Rockets’ rookie head coach, had not yet spoken with Harden, according to reports. Silas said Monday that there was “no timetable” for Harden’s return.
“Trust is built day to day, and once the relationship begins, we’ll begin that process of trust,” Silas told reporters Tuesday. “Obviously there wasn’t a great start to it, but that’s the NBA. The NBA is not going to be roses every day.”
Also on Tuesday, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta addressed the Harden situation on CNBC.
“James Harden wants to win a ring during his period as a basketball player,” Fertitta said. “I think that’s wonderful that he’s going to do it, and hopefully he’ll do it with the Houston Rockets. … We’ve done nothing but gotten better in the offseason.”
The news also comes hours after reports that Harden expanded his trade targets to include Philadelphia, though the 76ers are unwilling to part with stars Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid. Harden showed up at Toyota Center on Tuesday sporting a 76ers jersey.
It’s unclear why Harden missed the first two days, though Harden reportedly spent the past week in Atlanta and Las Vegas celebrating the 26th birthday of his friend and rapper Lil Baby. Regardless, his absence fueled speculation of his discontent in Houston.
The Rockets are in the midst of camp after an offseason that saw coach Mike D’Antoni leave in September, general manager Daryl Morey leave in October, and Russell Westbrook traded to the Washington Wizards for guard John Wall and a future first-round draft pick in December.
Harden, who is entering his ninth season with the Rockets, has led the NBA in scoring each of the past three campaigns.
Last season he averaged 34.3 points per game, but his one-season partnership with Westbrook didn’t pay off with postseason success. The Rockets finished in fourth place in the Western Conference at 44-28 but lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Harden is under contract through the 2021-22 season.
