Giannis Antetokounmpo responded to James Harden's comments about his lack of skills following the Milwaukee Bucks' 133-86 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"My game is not just power for sure ... obviously, it's going to be times where you've got to power through guys. Like one of the best players, LeBron, Michael Jordan, Kobe and all those guys ... Shaq, all those guys, they were extremely physical with their play. They made their presence felt in the paint, but obviously I try to work on my game, midrange shots, 3s, being able to screen and roll faster and make the right pass," said Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo had picked Kemba Walker on his All-Star team over Harden, insinuating that he wants someone who passes the ball.

Harden responded to Antetokounmpo in an interview with Rachel Nichols, saying "I wish I could just run and be 7 feet and just dunk. Like that takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball, how to have skill."

Antetokounmpo also said that he's still adding pieces to his game.

"It's hard to drive full speed and try to make the right pass to the corner. I try to get my passes more accurate and it's a lot of things I'm still adding, and hopefully when I add all those things in my game, I'm a more complete player and I'm better and can help my team win and the game is easier."

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James Harden responded to derisive comments Giannis Antetokounmpo made against him during the NBA All-Star Game draft.

Antetokounmpo selected Kemba Walker over Harden, insinuating that he preferred someone who passes the ball. Harden pointed out that he averages more assists per game than Walker, but his next comment was outwardly dismissive of Antetokounmpo's skill. 

"I wish I could just run and be 7 feet and just dunk. Like that takes no skill at all," Harden said. "I gotta actually learn how to play basketball, how to have skill. I take that any day."

Jeff Green will sign with the Houston Rockets for the remainder of the 19-20 season.

Green initially signed with the Rockets on a 10-day contract.

Both sides have liked the fit with Green averaging 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game since joining the Rockets. 

The Utah Jazz attempted to guard Russell Westbrook with Rudy Gobert during a 120-110 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Westbrook finished the game with 34 points, pulling the Rockets even with the Jazz for fourth place in the Western Conference standings.

"I get what I want, get whatever I want. Get to the basket and shoot, drive and kick, pace and speed. It's something you can't scout for. You can scout moves, you can scout for all that, but speed you can't scout for. And that's what I've got to my advantage," said Westbrook after the game.

Westbrook, who is shooting 40.9% on midrange jumpers this season, went 7-of-13 in the game. 

Gobert said that he would do the strategy over again despite Westbrook's success. 

"I think I would do it again. Having Russ being guarded by one of our guards is a mismatch. When I'm guarding him, at least he doesn't get to the rim. He's going to miss shots, he's going to make shots, but at least he doesn't break us down and bring the double team and find his teammates. We make him work. That's pretty much it. We make him work, and he's able to make those shots sometimes, and sometimes he's not. We've got to live with that and do what we do," said Gobert.

DeMarre Carroll and the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a contract buyout.

Carroll's negotiations with the Spurs were on guaranteed money of $2.3 million for the rest of this season, $6.65 million in 2020-2021 and $1.35 million in 2021-22.

Carroll will sign with the Houston Rockets upon clearing waivers.

Carroll signed a three-year deal with the Spurs this past offseason.

The Houston Rockets will use their two remaining open roster spots to sign DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green.

Green will initially sign a 10-day contract with the Rockets.

Carroll agreed to a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs and will sign with the Rockets once he clears waivers.

Carroll and Green give the Rockets two additional players who fit their small-ball emphasis. 

Carroll signed with the Rockets on a three-year deal. Carroll was due $2.3 million for the rest of this season from the spurs, $6.65 million in 2020-2021 and $1.35 million guaranteed in 2021-22.

Green was released by the Utah Jazz in December.

The Houston Rockets are planning to guarantee the fourth season of PJ Tucker's contract in 2020-21, league sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Tucker will make $7.9 million for the 2020-21 season.

Tucker is averaging 7.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 34.9 minutes per game this season. 

The Houston Rockets looked into trading for DeAndre Jordan before the deadline, league sources told Adrian Wojnarowski.

"The Rockets tried to engage the Nets on DeAndre Jordan...when they were working on their four-team, 12 player deal," reported Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski added that the Rockets had a 24 hour window following the four-team deal to add up to $12 million in salary.

The Nets reportedly were not interested in moving Jordan. 

The Houston Rockets have traded Jordan Bell to the Memphis Grizzlies for Bruno Caboclo along with an exchange of second round picks.

Memphis has the right to swap the least favorable of second round picks between the Mavericks and Heat in 2023 for Houston's second round pick in 2023 as long as that pick isn't No. 31 or No. 32.

The Rockets acquired Bell as part of the Clint Capela deal.