The Houston Rockets are in complete disarray following the departure of coach Mike D’Antoni and the possible exits of star players such as James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Latest reports suggest that apart from the team’s vision and philosophy, the franchise owner’s support for Donald Trump is also factoring in their decision to leave.
To make matters worse for the Rockets, the issue does not end with only Harden and Westbrook. Several players are contemplating their future with the team due to the pro-Trump stance.
Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher claimed that the players were on the verge of walking out on the recently concluded season due to owner Tilman Fertitta’s contribution in the form of donations for Trump and other Republican candidates. Fertitta’s support for Trump is apparently igniting up a ‘revolt’ in the Rockets camp.
“For the most part, Fertitta is a staunch Republican and staunch Trump supporter. Add that to the equation of where the players’ mindset was in the bubble and coming out of the bubble, living in Texas, which is still red but moving ever more blue, I’m told that that was the influence and has other players feeling the same as Harden and Westbrook,” Bucher said.
Several NBA stars including LeBron James have voiced their opinion against Donald Trump constantly ever since the commencement of his presidential reign.
Hate has always existed in America. Yes we know that but Donald Trump just made it fashionable again! Statues has nothing to do with us now!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 15, 2017
Harden eyes Nets move after rejecting a sizeable contract
In a bid to make the 2018 MVP continue his stint with the franchise, Harden was offered a $103 million deal spanning over 2 years, in addition to the existing 3 years left in his current contract. The deal would have made Harden the first player to earn over $50 million dollars a year.
The 31-year-old believes that a unison with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant at Brooklyn Nets can get him the elusive title rather than extending his stay with the Rockets.
Franchises are ready to gear up for the upcoming season with the NBA Draft which takes place on Wednesday. Whereas, the 2021 NBA season will flag off from December 22 onwards.
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