Houston Rockets' NBA All-Star Chris Paul reportedly wants out with his relationship with MVP candidate James Harden "unsalvageable."
According to Yahoo Sports, Paul approached management to demand a trade after the season-ending loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semi-finals.
Moving Paul and his three-year, $124 million ($NZ189m) contract will not be easy, though general manager Daryl Morey has been open about having trade discussions involving all of his players other than Harden this off-season.
"It can't be fixed," a league source told Yahoo Sports about the Harden-Paul partnership.
The rift between Paul and Harden became so severe that after going "nearly two months" during the season without speaking to one another, Harden followed suit with a "him or me" demand of his own to Morey, Yahoo reported Wednesday (NZT).
In addition, Harden has refused to communicate with Paul this off-season, according to the report.
"There's no respect at all, on either side," a source told Yahoo Sports.
"They need to get away from one another. Chris doesn't respect James's standing in the league, and James doesn't respect the work Chris has put in to this point."
Centre Clint Capela could also be traded by the Rockets, as could Eric Gordon or P.J. Tucker.
Capela signed a five-year, $90m ($NZ137m) contract prior to last season.
The Swiss Capela turned 25 in May, after averaging 16.6, 12.7 rebounds (fifth in the NBA) and 1.5 blocks per game in 2018-19.
Among teams thought to have interest in Capela are the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers.
Reuters
