Houston Rockets star James Harden informed ownership he is solely focused on facilitating a trade to the Brooklyn Nets after rejecting an extension that would have paid him north of $50 million in one season, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Rockets reportedly offered Harden a maximum extension worth $103 million over two years that would have kicked in once his current contract expires in 2023. If he had agreed, Harden would have become the first player in NBA history with a guaranteed season salary of at least $50 million.
The Nets and Rockets have discussed a trade but there have been no meaningful discussions between the two teams, sources told Wojnarowski. Houston is reportedly holding out for a substantial return for the disgruntled 2018 MVP.
The Rockets are still willing to keep Harden next season and attempt to repair the relationship between both sides, sources told The New York Times' Marc Stein.
However, Harden considers the Rockets' window of contention closed, and he believes the Nets present his best chance at winning his first NBA title, sources told Wojnarowski.
Earlier Monday, the Philadelphia 76ers were reportedly also on Harden's preferred list of trade destinations. However, it now appears the 31-year-old favors ending up in Brooklyn, potentially alongside former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant and six-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving.
