The Athletic learned that Harden has had multiple verbal confrontations with teammates in practice on Sunday and Monday, and one confrontation included Harden throwing a basketball at a teammate on Monday.

Sources say Harden and rookie Jae’Sean Tate had a heated exchange during Monday’s practice, culminating in Harden throwing the ball in Tate’s direction. The ball did not hit Tate. Interactions like these between teammates during practice can be part of a normal, competitive environment.  Harden, however, is known by those in the organization as a laid-back and calm personality —especially as superstars go — and some around the franchise are viewing this as rising to an uncharacteristic level of frustration given his ongoing situation.

Source: Shams Charania of The Athletic

ANALYSIS: If this is any indication of what the environment in Houston is going to be like with a frustrated Harden around, then both parties are probably headed for a separation sooner than later. We'll see how much new head coach Stephen Silas will tolerate from the former MVP before forcing Rafael Stone's hand.