Rockets: 5 best young players to target in return for James Harden

James Harden’s exit from the Houston Rockets appears to be imminent. How the franchise fares will come down to the prospect they land in return. These are the five best available.

James Harden has finally reported to the Houston Rockets‘ training camp but that has not abated his desire to be traded. For the Rockets to move on from their franchise player they’ll need to receive a promising young player in return who they can build around for the next decade.

A blue-chip prospect has become a must in any deal for a superstar. The New Orleans Pelicans netted Brandon Ingram for Anthony Davis and the OKC Thunder received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Paul George.

While additional players and picks are included these deals have to have a young All-Star caliber player in them to gain any traction. Teams simply won’t part with an All-Star if they don’t believe they’re receiving at the very least a future All-Star in return.

As the James Harden situation drags out more and more teams will begin to evaluate their chances of landing the former MVP and whether they would part with a young stud to land him. Some players weren’t considered because of how their teams have built their futures around them.

An example would be De’Aaron Fox, who the Sacramento Kings just extended to be their franchise player for the next four seasons. However, when a player as good as James Harden becomes available just about no one is untouchable.

The Rockets’ future without Harden doesn’t need to be bleak but it’ll hinge on who they receive in return. These are the five best prospects that the Rockets could land for their disgruntled superstar.

Next: Number 5