Celtics Reportedly Making 'Late Push' To Acquire James Harden

The Boston Celtics are reportedly making a "late push" to acquire Houston Rockets star James Harden.

Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson of Heavy.com reports the Celtics are a possible contender to land the all-star shooting guard behind the division rival Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. Robinson reports Boston would be willing to involve point guard Kemba Walker and forward Gordon Hayward in a potential trades to acquire Harden.

"While the Nets & Sixers are believed to be frontrunners for James Harden, Boston Celtics are making a late push for Harden," Robinson tweeted Tuesday. "They are trying to flip Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward for picks and young assets that would appeal to Houston, frantically."

Harden reportedly turned down an extension worth $50 million annually and demanded a trade out of Houston, telling ownership he is focused on joining the Nets, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Harden led the NBA in scoring during each of the past three seasons, which included a 34.3 points per game average in 2019-20. The 31-year-old guard won the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player Award and has finished in the top three of MVP voting during each of the past four seasons.

The Celtics are also reportedly working to extend the deadline for Hayward's player option decision.

The forward was initially scheduled to decide whether to except or forego the final year of his player option before 5:00 p.m. EST. However, the Celtics and the former all-star forward are reportedly attempting to extend the deadline to Thursday, ESPN senior writer Zach Lowe reports.

"Gordon Hayward and the Celtics are working to extend the deadline on Hayward to decide on his $34.2 million player option for the 2020-21 season from today at 5 p.m. to Thursday afternoon, league sources tell ESPN," Lowe tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

Walker joined the Celtics last offseason and several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, have reportedly reached out to Boston about acquiring the all-star point guard, Yahoo Sports reports.

Photo: Getty Images