Despite allegations that James Harden wants to be traded, he practiced with the Houston Rockets on Monday for the first time this season after missing the early part of camp. Here are the highlights:

• Harden was absent from two preseason games as he gone through COVID protocol.
• Coach Stephen Silas spoke with Harden strictly on the game of basketball.
• He said that Harden was locked in. They “had a good conversation” and it’s as simple as that. Harden brought up solid points and kept it moving.
• Harden has pretty much kept quiet especially towards reporters.
• Silas said that Harden will make his preseason debut when they face the Spurs.
• Of course, the Westbrook trade got people thinking Harden would want the same, and that’s certainly been on everyone’s mind for the past few weeks.
• Silas said it’s something the media’s really been pushing. However, the team has been on the right pace this season and they keep growing.