Washington Wizards nixed James Harden trade, according to report

Before James Harden landed with the Houston Rockets, a deal was reportedly on the table that would have sent him to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Bradley Beal and Chris Singleton. But Wizards management nixed the idea because of an unwillingness to commit to the five-year, $80-million max contract Harden was looking for from his new team.

That's all according to a Washington Post report, released Tuesday night, that seems to give credence to chatter that the Wizards might have had discussions about acquiring the Thunder's sixth man before he was sent to Houston.

According to the report, Wizards owner Ted Leonsis was unwilling to commit to the contract terms Harden was looking for, so the Wizards passed on an opportunity to acquire him. The Rockets, on the other hand, were able to afford Harden's contract demands, and completed the trade for him in late October.

Harden is averaging more than 20 points and more than five assists per game in his first season with the Rockets.