Report: Brooklyn Nets emerge as James Harden's top trade destination

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The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly emerged as James Harden's top trade destination, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne, and Zach Lowe.

While there has been no talks between the Nets and the Houston Rockets surrounding a deal, joining forces with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is reportedly an idea that resonates with Harden. 

According to the report, Harden and Durant "have recently discussed the possibility" of a trade as the two stars worked out together in Los Angeles. 

Newly-appointed. Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone has maintained that the team plans to "run it back" with Harden this season, however, the team's future remains unclear following reports that teammate Russell Westbrook, reportedly wants out of Houston.

Harden, 31, led the NBA in scoring for the third-straight season, averaging 34.3 points per game in 2019-20 and is owed $131.5 million over the next three seasons, including a $46.9 million player option in 2022-23.

Wojnarowski reports that Harden rejected the Rockets' offer of the maximum extension allowed - two years, $103 million - with an exit from Houston now appearing more likely.  

In his eight seasons in Houston, Harden has been named an All-Star every year and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2017-18, finishing in the top 3 in voting across five of the past six seasons.

Harden played alongside Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first three seasons in the NBA, prior to being traded to Houston, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012. Meanwhile, Harden played alongside Irving for Team USA in their gold medal triumph at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.