HoopsHype.com Rumors

Grantland ace Zach Lowe has a longer look at Houston's unorthodox approach to team-building that sources say will continue this summer with the free-agent pursuit of Dwight Howard -- and Andrew Bynum and Josh Smith if Howard rebuffs them -- to pair with star swingman James Harden. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Andrew Bynum, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, James Harden 

But here's the real killer. Multiple sources have told me that, when Oklahoma City's Sam Presti decided to shop James Harden, Golden State was his first call. He wanted Klay Thompson and a pick. The Warriors would only consider the trade if Oklahoma City took back Biedrins or Jefferson for 2013 expirings, knowing they'd get crushed by the luxury tax in 2014 with Harden's extension plus Steph Curry's extension plus David Lee plus Bogut/Jefferson/Biedrins. At that point, Presti went to Washington (offering Harden for Bradley Beal, and unbelievably getting turned down), then Houston (where the shopping heated up). Presti never ended up calling Golden State back. Grantland

Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards, Trade, Sam Presti, James Harden, Klay Thompson 

Royce Young: Tony Parker tells @Bill Simmons he was happy when OKC traded James Harden: youtube.com/watch?v=wlrGFj… Twitter @dailythunder

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Trade, Tony Parker, James Harden 

James Harden: We are going to miss our bros in Houston! @Marcus Morris @Cole Aldrich @Patrick Patterson and TD. I know everything will work out. Twitter @JHarden13

Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Trade, Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich, James Harden, Marcus Morris 

Howard Chen: Lin on last night: "We wanted to win that for James (Harden)" - wanted to atone for past two losses to OKC. #RedNation Twitter @ho_chenCSN

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, James Harden, Jeremy Lin 

Alex Kennedy: James Harden made the OKC Thunder pay for trading him. Harden had 46 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the Houston Rockets' 122-117 win. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, James Harden 

Jared Zwerling: James Harden: "I still miss those guys (referring to Durant and Westbrook), being around them every day." Twitter @JaredZwerling

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, All-Star 

Kevin Durant: Check my brothers @Russell Westbrook & @James Harden out. They killed it last night. #stylesalute #gqallstar gq.com/style/blogs/th… Twitter @KDTrey5

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook 

Mark Berman: Rockets owner Leslie Alexander believes James Harden, who has a sore ankle, will play in the All-Star Game:"100%. He'll be fine by Sunday." Twitter @MarkBermanFox26

Houston Rockets, James Harden, Injuries, Leslie Alexander 

“We’re different, but I think we’re just as good,” small forward Kevin Durant said. “James, don’t get me wrong, he’s a phenomenal player, but we lost him and we got Kevin Martin back, who’s a really good player as well. “And I think for the passing ability that we lost with James, and his defense, we make up for it with Russell and myself, and the guys on the bench that help.” Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook 

Westbrook said they’re still good friends, and they’re from the same area so they’ll continue to hang out in summers, and Durant said they’ll remain tight after learning together as professionals. “We miss him,” Durant said. “Of course we all grew up together and I’m happy he’s playing well in Houston, but we’ve got to move past it. “It’s been almost three or four months now, so it’s time to move on.” Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook 

Is it strange being back on the same team as Westbrook and Durant? James Harden: “Nah, it's not strange. It was strange when I played in Oklahoma City. When I was in a Houston uniform playing in Oklahoma City, that was strange. This will be more jokes and smiling and just enjoying each other's company.” Oklahoman

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook 

How special is your relationship with Durant and Westbrook? James Harden: “It's very special. We were together all summer, in London, having fun, laughing. And then we got split up. But we're back together and it seems like we never left each other. We're brothers. Simple as that. We're always going to be brothers.” Oklahoman

Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook 

"I felt kind of hurt and disappointed leaving those guys, leaving something special, especially being around Kevin and Russell all summer after (the) Finals (with the Olympic gold medal-winning Team USA)," Harden says. "Probably a month after the trade, I started getting used to it and started figuring it out that this is my team now, and this is what I have to do. I have to be a leader now. I have a new role." The transformation from super sub to superstar wasn't gradual. Never mind that the trade had left him stunned, or that he knew none of his new teammates beyond the usual in-game pleasantries. Harden decided before his first Rockets practice that this was his team, and he didn't leave any doubt. "That first day was sort of eye-opening to some of us, because he literally just started screaming at people to tuck their shirts in," Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons said. "I'm sure some people were like, 'This guy has been here for an hour and he's already talking,' but ... he knew coming into this that we were a young team that needed that." USA Today Sports

Houston Rockets, James Harden 

Asked if he had a specific player he wanted to join forces with, Harden -- who doesn't have off-court relationships with any of the players mentioned -- says he's not sure just yet. "I don't, and if I did have a guy I'd be texting him every single day," he told USA TODAY Sports in a recent interview. "Dwight, Chris Paul, Bynum, all of them. I haven't come across them. I'm more low-key." USA Today Sports

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

But considering his young-and-upcoming team is still in need of the sort of talent that will be in ample supply at the event, he'll leave some time for the sort of recruiting effort that is tailor-made for this annual, star-studded scene. "I'll do a little bit of recruiting during the All-Star break, but my main focus is on just trying to get this team focused on every single game, every practice," Harden, whose team has significant salary cap space that can be used this summer if they don't do a major deal before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. "I can't worry about who we want to recruit and things like that. ... For the most part, we're trying to make the playoffs." USA Today Sports

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

But while free-agents-to-be Dwight Howard of the Lakers, Andrew Bynum of the 76ers and Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks could be coming his way, Harden said he doesn't have a specific player in mind on top of his personal priority list. "I don't because if I did have a guy (like that), I'd be texting him every single day," Harden said. Specifically, Harden said he has no relationship with Howard. "Like I said, if I did, I'd be texting him every single day," he said. "Dwight, (Clippers free agent-to-be) Chris Paul, Bynum, all of them." USA Today Sports

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

The Rockets hope his play will just be the start of his contributions, to be followed by a role as a compelling draw for their next star. It is a job he welcomes as much as handling the ball in pick-and-roll. "I hope so," Harden said. "I've built some friendships these last couple years, this summer and throughout the time playing. They know what kind of person I am, how hard-working I am, knowing I want to win. I hope that becomes a factor of wanting to come to Houston and trying to win championships." Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

Asked if he had begun making his sales pitch, or at least laying the groundwork for next summer, he said he has chatted with "a couple guys." Asked who has received his initial recruiting attention, Harden smiled broadly and said, "A couple guys." Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, James Harden 

When asked if the Rockets' win over the Los Angeles Lakers and future free agent (and long-time object of general manager Daryl Morey's desires) Dwight Howard might have helped make his point, Harden shared even less insight. "A little bit," Harden said. Though Howard has been noncommittal, he is expected to remain in Los Angeles. The Lakers can offer up to roughly $118 million over five seasons; other teams may offer a four-year, $88 million contract. Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, James Harden