As we watch the Toronto Raptors attempt to make history in their 1st NBA Finals In Franchise History by ending the Golden State Dynasty In Oakland (Currently 2-1 vs Warriors) many members of the NBA Media has seemed to abandon the team everyone predicted to eventually eliminate the Golden State Warrior: the Houston Rockets. After losing to Oakland in 6 games, James Harden & Chris Paul allegedly had a blow up in the locker room after being eliminated from the 2019 NBA Playoffs. This story was denied by various Rocket Players. However, in the aftermath of the news, Rockets GM Daryl Morey released a statement to let the league know that everyone on the current Houston Rockets roster was up for trade talks once Free Agency starts July 1st. Morey also let the league know that Coach D’Antoni wouldn’t receive a 3yr contract extension, making the 2019-2020 NBA season his last season under his current contract. In my opinion, with Chris Paul declining & James Harden aging, Morey may have to destroy this current version of the Rockets and rebuild from the ground up. The only problem with that is the Max Contracts Of Chris Paul & James Harden make them almost immovable objects when it comes to trade talks. The more appealing contracts of Eric Gordon, Clint Capela & PJ Tucker will definitely help the Rockets make a much needed transition, but the main roster issue is between the battle of the guards (Paul & Harden). One of them will have to leave in order for change to take place. If I had to make a decision between the two I’d try to move both due to Harden‘s blatant refusal to elevate his game from iso ball to team play, off ball leadership and Chris Paul’s declining health and endurance (hamstring injuries). Their championship window has all but closed and if Kevin Durant stays with The Golden State Warriors, this team will continue to fall short & underachieve.
