James Harden Trade Rumors: NBA Execs 'Extremely Skeptical' of Possible Nets Move

People working in the NBA are doubtful that James Harden's dream of playing alongside Kevin Durant will come to fruition.

Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, executives from rival teams "have grown extremely skeptical" that Harden will be traded to the Brooklyn Nets. 

Speculation about a potential deal between Harden and the Nets began on Nov. 16 when ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the former NBA MVP "made it clear to [Rockets] ownership that he's singularly focused" on a trade to Brooklyn. 

As time has passed since that report, it's looked increasingly unlikely that Houston and Brooklyn would work out a deal. Harden has reportedly expanded his trade list to include the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. 

Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported on Nov. 24 that a Nets deal is "not dead in the water," but the Rockets are "not in a rush to move him" even as they recognize a trade is "what [is] going to end up happening."

While it's unclear what a Nets offer for Harden would have to include, NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman noted this week that the Rockets wanted Ben Simmons and three first-round draft picks from the Sixers. 

Harden reported to Rockets training camp late and told reporters on Wednesday he hasn't even had a conversation with new general manager Rafael Stone. 

The Rocketsare set to open the regular season on Dec. 23 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.