Drama appears to be the prevailing mood for the Houston Rockets as reports came out that all is not well with the team's two All-Stars. Chris Paul is said to be demanding a trade, and he wants out because of a deteriorating relationship with James Harden.
It's "unsalvageable" per the report by Yahoo Sports, adding that the Paul-Harden tandem is headed for a breakup. It was revealed as well that the two superstars "went nearly two months without speaking to each other during the season."
Paul had already discussed the spat with Houston's front office and indicated that the best available resolution is for him to get out of the scene. He made known his stand that things will go well for the team once he is traded.
For Harden's part, it simply is a choice between him and Paul, and management has to make a decision soon. It was not mentioned in the report though if the 2018 MVP is considering the exit door, Yahoo said Harden's edict was clear - it's him or Paul.
It was suggested that a character clash and court attitude caused the rift between Paul and Harden. According to The New York Post, Paul's personality did not jibe with that of Harden's, and there is now a disconnect preventing the two from talking.
The report added that Paul had tried numerous times to reach out and talk with Harden, but no one is picking up the phone on the other side, somehow confirming that Harden has no plans to play again with the star playmaker.
It should be noted that tension with co-players and teammates is nothing new with Paul. During his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, he had reportedly clashed with fellow Clippers, but it was unclear if that motivated his transfer to the Rockets.
While it looks like that trading Paul is bound to happen anytime soon, the Houston management remains mum on how a swap with other teams will go about.
As things stand now, shipping out Paul is not without complications, according to Business Insider. He has a live contract that covers three more seasons in Houston. And if there is taker, that team will have to pay up close to $125 million over the next three years.
Paul is still part of the elite club of NBA's best guard, but such distinction is unlikely to last. Basing on the stats he turned in during the just concluded season, Paul's overall performance is headed on a slump. The main factor is likely Paul's age, which at 34 is considered the onset of twilight years for athletes.
