James Harden is back in Houston but his return to Rockets practice is still a ways off.
Harden must test negative for COVID-19 six times before he is permitted to join group workouts, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
After an unexcused absence from the team, Harden arrived at camp Tuesday, two days after his Rockets teammates held their first practice.
The three-time scoring champ has expressed interest in being traded to a contending team, as the relationship between player and team has soured significantly.
Houston maintains it will not be rushed into trading Harden, regardless of how uncomfortable the situation gets, and is more than willing to enter the season with him on the roster. The Rockets made a blockbuster deal earlier this month, acquiring John Wall from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Russell Westbrook.
The Rockets open their pre-season slate on Friday against the Chicago Bulls.
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