Will James Harden and the Rockets ever play together again?
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden, 33, is allegedly “seriously contemplating” a move back to Houston if he declines a new contract with the 76ers.
Harden, who allegedly considered the Rockets in recent months along with his inner circle, pushed his way out of Houston two seasons ago in a trade that took him to the Nets. Since receiving Harden in exchange for a trade, the 9-23 Rockets have been forced to rebuild.
Prior to Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, the Sixers had won seven consecutive games. His perspective may change if Philadelphia, which began Sunday in fifth place in the East, has a strong postseason run.
On a two-year, $68.6 million contract, Harden, who entered Sunday averaging 21.4 points and 10.9 assists in 17 games this season, has a player option for next season.
According to ESPN, Harden might choose to stay in Houston because he liked the people there and the way of life there rather than pursue a title with the Sixers or another team. According to Wojnarowski, the 10-time All-Interactions Stars with Sixers head coach Doc Rivers and star center Joel Embiid are both a “work in progress.”
Harden played with the Rockets for eight whole seasons, taking them all the way to the Western Conference Finals while earning three scoring crowns and the 2017–18 MVP Award. In exchange for Ben Simmons, he was dealt to the Sixers in February.
Reuniting with the franchise he left would place him with one that has a lot more youthful talent, including Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, Kevin Porter Jr., and maybe another top lottery pick this year. However, that could be exactly what he wants.
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