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Report: James Harden wanted to team with Russell Westbrook

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 7/11/19

The Houston Rockets made a major trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday for Russell Westbrook, and it sounds like they did so because their star player wanted it.

Shortly after the trade was reported Thursday, two reporters said James Harden wanted to play with Westbrook.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said Harden was a driving force in the deal.

James Harden was a driving force in this deal, I’m told. Russell Westbrook and Harden decides they wanted to reunite and Rockets made it happen despite some questions about fit now that Harden is so ball dominant. Houston believes ceiling is higher with Russ than CP3.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 12, 2019

Reporting on NBATV during a Summer League game, Allie LaForce reported that she spoke with someone in Houston’s organization who said Harden is “excited” to play with Westbrook but sad to see Chris Paul go. LaForce says she was told Harden made it clear he wanted the trade so he could reunite with Westbrook.

Westbrook and Harden were drafted a year apart by the Thunder and played together for three seasons before Harden was dealt to Houston. Now, seven years later, they will play together again.

There are several questions about how they will fit, considering they are both so ball-dominant and the Rockets’ offense is dependent on three-point shooting around Harden, which is not Westbrook’s strength.

Westbrook will have to fall into a role of not having the ball as much while playing alongside Harden, which should boost his efficiency.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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