Russell Westbrook and James Harden don't want to play together, Rockets in crisis?

Houston Rockets' 2019-20 NBA season came to a disappointing end after y were handsomely beaten 4-1 by eventual champions, Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference semi-finals. Just two months after ir previous season came to a close, Rockets appear in complete disarray, and as it appears one of top stars wants out.

On Wednesday, Athletic reported Russell Westbrook wants a tre just one season after heing to Houston from Oklahoma City Thunder. Just 24 hours after  news broke, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said reason Westbrook wants to leave Rockets after just one season is that he does t want to play with James Harden anymore.

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During his appearance on First Take on Thursday, Smith said, "This is t opinion; I'm telling you what I have heard. y don't want to play with each or anymore. Russell Westbrook doesn't want to play with James Harden. James Harden doesn't want to play with Russell Westbrook."

Smith went on to explain situation at Rockets stating both players, who are two of best ballplayers in NBA, do t wish to off ball as much. This is particularly case with Westbrook, who embraced side-role at Houston, with James Harden taking role of team's primary scorer.

"Russell Westbrook wants ball in his hands. He doesn't want to play off ball as much. He looks at his success in Oklahoma City over previous several years - ball needs to be in his hands. That's his mentality," Stephen A. Smith ded. " mentality of James Harden is that: 'All right, so be it,' and so as a result of it, Houston is in turmoil."

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Westbrook to Hornets?

Houston Rockets might t have an easy time to find a tre part for Russell Westbrook, considering 32-year-old still has a reported $132.7 million left in his contract over next three years. Per Athletic, Charlotte Hornets have held preliminary discussions with player over a potential tre. Hornets, owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, are said to be seriously considering a tre for Rockets star, while a "couple" of teams have also expressed an interest in former NBA MVP. 

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Rumours of a James Harden tre are also making rounds on internet. This comes after ESPN reported on Wednesday that both, Westbrook and Harden, have expressed concerns over direction of franchise. As mentioned, just two months after ir embarrassing exit from NBA playoffs, Rockets appear to be on verge of exploding.

He coach Mike D'Antoni left his job to join Brooklyn Nets as an assistant he coach. Meanwhile, Daryl Morey, who stepped down from his role as GM of Rockets, was recently anunced as president of basketball operations of  Philelphia 76ers.

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(Im Credits: James Harden Instagram)