The Rockets need to trade James Harden before Bradley Beal is moved

The Houston Rockets have taken their time trying to move James Harden but with rumors circulating that the Washington Wizards might move Bradley Beal, the Rockets need to act fast to get full value for Harden.

The Houston Rockets have bided their time as they wait on a trade partner for James Harden. The reasoning behind their patience is understandable, Harden is one of the best players in the world and they should only trade him for what he is worth.

However, patience is not always a virtue, especially in the fast-paced world of NBA trades, and a thorn is developing in the Houston Rockets side. The Washington Wizards have opened the season in spectacularly pitiful fashion and their franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal has begun to churn through the rumor mill.

If Beal is set to hit the trade market, what was once a seller’s market for the Rockets could quickly become a buyer’s delight as two high-powered scorers become available. To make matters worse for the Rockets, Bradley Beal has close to an equal amount of trade value as James Harden.

The Rockets stated that they were willing to get uncomfortable as they shopped Harden but they didn’t envision having much competition as a seller. If Bradley Beal gets moved before Harden then the Rockets will be in an unenviable position as most of their leverage will be lost.

Whoever gets traded first, between Harden and Beal, the other franchise will have the market set for them and they will have one less trade partner to negotiate with. If the Wizards are forced to move Beal then the two franchises will be in a race to move their franchise player.

Fortunately for the Rockets, the Bradley Beal trade rumors, for now, are just rumors, but as soon as the Wizards begin shopping him the price for Harden will begin to drop. It’s in the best interest of the Rockets franchise to speed up their timeline and try and find a trade for James Harden.

Next: Why Beal and Harden have equal trade value