Russell Westbrook shoots down talk of issues with James Harden

Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook denied he no longer wants to play alongside James Harden. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook responds to 'fabricated' report he doesn't want to play with James Harden anymore

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/13/20

Russell Westbrook has been the source of some major news and rumors the past few days after it was revealed the former MVP wants out of the Houston Rockets organization. There were even rumors about Westbrook's unwillingness to play alongside James Harden, which we now know to be untrue.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith spoke about Westbrook's desire to no longer play alongside Harden. Westbrook finally got sick of the noise, taking to social media to tell the world that Smith's report is completely false.

"This is completely fabricated," Westbrook wrote on Instagram. "Y'all have a good night."

Russell Westbrook responds to the report that he and James Harden don’t want to play with each other anymore:

“This is completely fabricated. Y’all have a good night.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/ofpvpowaRw
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) November 13, 2020

Based on Westbrook's comments, it appears he wants to jump ship for other reasons. It's worth noting that the duo clashed throughout the season, but they eventually worked out their differences to lead Houston to another playoff appearance.

It was reported earlier in the week that both Westbrook and Harden have genuine concerns about the Rockets' future following the departures of Daryl Morey and Mike D'Antoni. That could be the main reasoning behind Westbrook's trade request, though we can't be certain.

There has been no shortage of interest in Westbrook, who turned 32 on Thursday, and it's going to be interesting to see what the Rockets will get in return for the nine-time All-Star.

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