all star guard James Harden The Houston Rockets are seriously considering a return to the Houston Rockets in free agency in July if they decide against a new contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN.
Sources say Harden and his aides have been openly considering Houston for the past few months, and given that he requested and received a trade-out from the franchise less than two years later, the possibility is there. is very high.
His future with the 76ers remains a fluid proposition, fueled by a seven-game winning streak en route to his Christmas Day meeting with the New York Knicks (noon ET on ABC and ESPN).Harden has a productive role at All-NBA Center Joel Embiidand the state of that partnership and the Sixers’ postseason success could be a definite factor in how Harden goes this season. What he experiences can have a positive impact on his way of thinking.
Harden could return to free agency this summer after signing a two-year, $68.6 million contract with the Sixers that includes a player option for 2023-24.The Sixers are 19-12, fifth in the East, and hope to return the burgeoning star. Tyrese Maxsey within the next week.
Despite being kicked out of the Rockets in January 2021, Harden was drawn to Houston and continues to be drawn to Houston’s community, lifestyle and family, sources said. After relatively brief stoppages in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, the rebuilding Rockets’ return to his franchise effectively represents comfort and familiarity over immediate championship pursuits.
Heading into next summer, the Rockets are brimming with salary cap space and a desire to significantly improve their standings. Rockets officials need to assess how Harden’s addition will help develop a young core talent. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith When Kevin Porter Jr.However, his height and talent still make him an attractive proposition.
Embiid and Suspension in His Post-Houston Kevin Durant, Harden who has continued to evolve as a pass first guard. He leads the NBA with his 10.9 assists per game, including his career-high 21 assists in his win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
Harden spent more than eight All-Star seasons with the Rockets, including the 2018 MVP award and a appearance in the Western Conference Finals. Harden won his third straight scoring title with the Rockets and ranks second. Hakeem Olajuwon It’s the franchise’s all-time scoring and first assist.
After cycling through hand-picked co-stars, including Dwight Howard, Chris Paul When Russell Westbrook, Harden became disillusioned with the Rockets and eventually the Nets.Sixers Trade Ben Simmons, Seth Curry Two future first-round picks to the Nets as part of a package to acquire Harden in February.
For all of Harden’s history and ties to Sixers basketball operations president Daryl Morey and CEO Tad Brown, his working relationship with Embiid and coach Doc Rivers resembles something close to a work in progress. increase. The Sixers gave up key assets to acquire Harden, and he is expected to remain a priority to re-sign a new contract for the second consecutive summer.
