Houston Rockets: Morey Instagram comments say Harden/Paul will stay

The Houston Rockets are in the midst of some offseason turmoil in the news after another loss to the Warriors in the second round of these playoffs. Will the two main players be back for the team next year?

The Houston Rockets have certainly made headlines this summer. It was made public that they would be willing to trade anyone on the roster and future draft picks if it would improve the team for next year.

Of course, that got everyone thinking of trades all over the place, including ones for the likes of Chris Paul and Clint Capela. Even James Harden’s name was thrown in the trade machine by people looking to get some buzz. Morey later said, though, that this was a normal offseason move but it was just publicized more by Woj.

Doesn't sound like the Rockets leaked that Woj report per Morey. "I picked on (Woj) after he checked with me afterwards. I don't understand how it was news because we're always going to try to do trades to upgrade the roster. I prefer that stuff not get out but it is what it is." https://t.co/qbuwyhftK0

— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) May 30, 2019

It also seems like it was overblown a bit out of proportions (imagine that with NBA Twitter!). Morey has been replying on Instagram to some comments the other day, as he normally does, and said that both Harden and Paul will be with the team next year, “confirmed.”

Update: Daryl Morey makes it IG official, part 2. Chris Paul and James Harden. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Ej9LqHLq2C

— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) June 2, 2019

Shouldn’t be a surprise

As fun as trade rumors and trade machine posts are to make, it should be no surprise that the current two staples of the franchise will be with the team next year. Chris Paul was traded here and wants to be in Houston, and James Harden’s name should never be thrown in a trade prediction (remember the last trade he was a part of?).

More likely than not, the other players on the team will be shopped around a bit as the Rockets look to improve their squad. Look for the likes of Clint Capela and Eric Gordon to draw quite a bit of interest. Capela, a young and talented center on a great contract, should garner a lot of value.

This could also be a smokescreen a bit in relation to CP3. While he wants to be here, the best possible time to trade him is right now when the Rockets could potentially get something for him and his massive contract. The team will likely try to see what a healthy Paul and Harden can do next season, though.