Report: Houston Rockets targeted Michael Porter Jr. in potential James Harden deal

The James Harden saga is ongoing for the Houston Rockets, and although the 2020-21 NBA season has officially started, there seems to be no resolution in sight.

Although the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat have been discussed as potential suitors for Harden, the Rockets also reportedly talked to the Denver Nuggets about dealing the former MVP.

It appears that the Rockets wanted forward Michael Porter Jr. in return.

“The Nuggets were one of numerous teams the Houston Rockets called to gauge interest about a potential James Harden trade,” wrote Mike Singer of the Denver Post. “Those talks didn’t gain any traction, however, a league source told The Denver Post.

 

“Houston’s interest centered firmly on Nuggets small forward Michael Porter Jr., the source said. Those talks haven’t materialized into anything substantial. Any potential deal would have to include Gary Harris or Will Barton, if not both, to match salaries, which would leave the Nuggets extremely thin on the wing.”

Porter emerged last season as a valuable contributor for a Nuggets team that unexpectedly reached the Western Conference Finals.

Porter, who is 22 years of age, is a player who many feel has star potential written all over him.

If the Rockets do indeed deal Harden at some point, ideally they would pick up a young star who they can build around moving forward.

Sixers star Ben Simmons has been discussed as a potential target for the Rockets, although it’s unclear if Philly would be willing to move him in a possible Harden trade.