James Harden is an NBA superstar - so why no clamour to sign him?

Statistics don’t lie. James Harden is one of, if not the best player in the NBA over the last three years. This weekend, he put up 44 points in his opening game, which still wasn’t enough to stop Houston from losing to Portland in overtime, nevertheless it’s still pretty impressive.

James Harden scored 44 points for the Houston Rockets but they were pipped in overtime by the Portland Trail Blazers. Picture: Steph Chambers/Getty Images

But Harden is no stranger to headlines in recent weeks as he has openly called for the Rockets to trade him, and his monster contract, but only to teams he has deemed suitable.

Of course, if you are an NBA team in a position of power then you would probably be looking to do everything in your power to sign the shooting guard.

Over the past few seasons, Harden has been the NBA MVP, the leading scorer three years running and a perennial All-Star. The 11-year veteran has always been a team player, speaking of the importance of working together and building trust.

James Harden's near £100 million three-year contract has put off potential suitors. Picture: Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images

So why is it that Houston have found it hard to offload the disgruntled star?

Being so vocal about his desire to leave cannot help the player, but it goes deeper than that. The former Sun Devil stated he wanted out of Houston because he wants to compete for championships, and he doesn’t feel Houston are close. A great way to show your support for your teammates.

Also, Harden showed up late for preseason and violated the league’s Covid-19 protocols, resulting in a $50,000 fine. The Rockets later had four players test positive, culminating in the team cancelling their first game of the season.

You can also add to the mix the suggestions that the player isn’t carrying himself in his usual manner in training. Early in the week reports surfaced of the guard throwing a ball at a rookie and generally being confrontational in sessions.

When you add to that Harden’s near £100 million three-year contract you can see why neither the 76ers nor Brooklyn Nets jumped when he first named them as possible destinations. Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat have also been in no rush to get a trade done.

Across in the NFL, the league entered the penultimate week with games spread across the whole weekend.

On Christmas Day, Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record set in 1929 by rushing for six touchdowns as New Orleans beat Minnesota 52-33.

A day later Tom Brady threw four touchdowns in the first half before being rested for the second as the Buccaneers joined the Saints in securing their playoff berth while beating Detroit 47-7. Then San Francisco dented Arizona’s hopes of making the postseason as they picked up 20-12 win.

Miami scored a last-second field goal to keep their playoff hopes alive, beating Las Vegas Raiders 26-25.

On Sunday the Chiefs secured the number one seed and the sought after bye week during the playoffs in the AFC. Atlanta managed to hold Kansas to just 17 points and would have at least forced overtime if kicker Younghoe Koo hadn’t pulled a last-minute field goal wide right.

The New York Jets, winless until last week, managed their second victory and prevented Cleveland from securing their playoff place. The 23-16 success tied with Jacksonville’s loss to Chicago means that the Jaguars will get the first pick in April.

Pittsburgh Steelers ended a three-game skid, as they turned around a poor first half to beat Indianapolis 28-24. The win secured the Steelers the AFC North title but left the Colts with a complicated last weekend of football.

Seattle secured their first NFC West title in three years after beating LA Rams 20-9, leaving the Rams without starting QB Jarred Goff for next week’s ‘win and in’ game against Arizona.

The Dallas Cowboys, who looked to be out of the playoffs less than a month ago, picked up a 37-17 win against Philadelphia which leaves them in with a shout of the NFC East, providing that a few games fall their way next week.

Baltimore Ravens also seemed to be on the outside a few weeks back could now sneak into the playoffs, but more importantly look like they have hit their groove, and could be a formidable foe if they do creep in.

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