Three pros and cons to trading James Harden

James Harden and the Houston Rockets are at odds over his future with the franchise. Here are three pros and cons to trading the disgruntled superstar.

The Houston Rockets and James Harden are engaged in a high stakes game of chicken. Harden wants a trade away and is doing everything in his power to make the Rockets as uncomfortable as possible to see it through.

The Rockets know they truly hold all the cards as Harden is under contract for the next two seasons and if he remains a no-show he won’t receive the $40.8 million he is owed this season. Harden’s recent antics show a player who is committed to presenting just how uncommitted he is for the Rockets’ upcoming season.

His petulant and immature behavior might be part of a scheme to get out of Houston or it could simply be how he has operated in his personal life for years. The Rockets have to be feeling uneasy about their future as it is tied directly to the one player who has shown no interest in maintaining a shred of professionalism.

While keeping James Harden would help them remain competitive, it’s becoming unlikely that they’ll get ever get his absolute best again. Would the Rockets dare to trot out lineups anchored by an uninterested and angry Harden?

The reality remains that even a lackadaisical Harden is still one of the best players in the league. Throughout the history of the NBA, when a superstar wants out and is willing to make the relationship toxic they usually end up getting moved.

A trade is coming. When it happens remains a mystery. Will trading Harden tank the Rockets or allow them to rise out of the ashes in a better position than before? These are the pros and cons of trading Harden.

Next: Con No. 3