‘James Harden is still partying in Las Vegas’: Is Rockets star bailing on John Wall and co. amidst Nets trade rumors?

Rockets’ All-Star and 2018 MVP James Harden was spotted in Las Vegas a few hours ago, raising questions about a possible trade.

James Harden has not reported to the Houston Rockets training camp yet. The Rockets star was supposed to be back home for his training on Monday after he missed out on his individual workout on Sunday.

Also Read: “I will report to practice soon’: James Harden misses two practice sessions with Rockets to party with Lil Baby

Harden was supposed to report for his workout with PJ Tucker on Sunday. When he did not do so, it was reported that he told the Houston management that he would be back soon. Harden has been in Las Vegas for the past few days. He was seen partying with rapper Lil Baby.

James Harden spotted partying in Vegas on Sunday night

For someone supposed to be at practice on Monday morning, James Harden sure was up till late. He was spotted at a Las Vegas nightclub at roughly around 2 AM.

Apparently James Harden was still in Las Vegas as of three hours ago. pic.twitter.com/ca56DQD1uM

— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) December 7, 2020

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There has been a lot of backlash by fans online about James Harden’s latest charade. They are not happy about the way the Rockets’ star is acting.

Why is James Harden not back in Houston yet?

There are quite a few theories about why Harden is still in Vegas. Let me share the two I think might be closest to reality:

1. Harden is having a blast right now before the rigorous rules for the upcoming season lock him down. The Bubble was terrible, but at least the players had the freedom to move around in the bubble. With the games going back to the arenas, there are a lot of new restrictions and do’s and don’ts for the players.

2. James Harden was serious about wanting out from Houston and this is his way of rebelling. Maybe he starts to sit out of games as Kawhi did in San Antonio, or like AD did in New Orleans. Ultimately that way the Rockets would be forced to trade him. Doing so would be frowned upon in the league, but ultimately the Rockets would be left with no choice.