It's entirely plausible that Wednesday's Game 5 will mark the final time that Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden and center Dwight Howard share the court as teammates.
The animosity between the two has continued to linger into the postseason, with one team source referring to the relationship as "cordially bad," ESPN's Calvin Watkins reports.
Related: Harden pushed management to fire McHale, wanted Howard traded at deadline
According to Watkins, Howard sees himself as a star player, and has become frustrated with the limited number of touches he's been given of late. The 30-year-old has attempted just 8.8 field goals per game during Houston's first four playoff games - more than two shots below his career average.
Harden doesn't appear to be the only Rocket who's struggled to get along with Howard. Other players reportedly lost respect for the big man after a February team meeting when he didn't voice his displeasure about not getting the ball.
With the Rockets unquestionably Harden's team, Howard could opt out of his contract this summer and find a starless team to latch on with. Houston is currently down 3-1 to the Warriors, making it unlikely that the Rockets will end their season on a high note.
