Star player James Harden is seriously considering a return to the Houston Rockets as a free agent in July – if he decides not to accept a new deal with the 76ers, sources tell us. ESPN.
Harden and those close to him have openly assessed Houston in recent months, a source said, a notable possibility considering he requested a trade to leave the organization less than two years ago.
His return to the 76ers remains a possibility, as Philadelphia has won seven straight. Harden is providing great productivity this season with Joel Embiid and the state of their relationship, paired with their playoff successes, might play a big role in Harden’s decision. A good run in the playoffs in the hot Philadelphia market might also have a positive impact. Conversely, a quick exclusion might cause him to leave the 76ers.
Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal with the Sixers, including an option year for 2023-24 that allows Harden to return to the free agent market this summer. The Sixers are 19-12 and are ranked fifth in the East. Tyrese Maxey is also expected to return in the coming weeks.
Even though he forced his exit from Houston in January 2021, Harden has maintained a great relationship with Houston, through the community, his lifestyle and his family, sources say. After what might become short stops in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, a return to the Rockets would certainly represent a preference for comfort and familiarity, rather than an immediate title chase.
The Rockets will need to assess Harden’s likely impact on the development of their young core, which includes Jalen Green, Jabari Smith and Kevin Porter Jr., but his status and talent will make him an attractive proposition.
During his stops with Embiid and Kevin Durant, Harden continued to evolve as a passer. He leads the NBA with 10.9 assists per game, including a game-high 21 assists last Friday in a 76ers win over the Clippers.
Harden played just over eight seasons with the Rockets, a run that included the 2018 Most Valuable Player honor and a Western Conference Finals appearance that same year. Harden has won three straight scoring titles with the Rockets and ranks second in scoring in team history, behind Hakeem Olajuwon.
