During the 2020-21 NBA season, James Harden requested a trade from the Houston Rockets, but he could return during his impending free agency. He landed with the Brooklyn Nets but later requested to be traded, ending up with the Philadelphia 76ers.
During an appearance on local television in Houston, Kelly Iko of The Athletic discussed Harden’s player option for the 2023-24 season.
“I’m putting it at a seven out of 10,” Iko said. “I think where there’s smoke there’s fire, and James loves this city. He loves those guys on the roster, young players in Houston. He has ties to the city, businesses, his home is here, and crazier things have happened. Don’t call me crazy, but you might be seeing something different.”
On Christmas Day, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden was “seriously considering” returning. The report noted that “Harden has maintained something of a magnetic pull to Houston, drawn to the community, lifestyle, and family there.”
The report surfaced before Harden’s 76ers tipped off on Christmas Day. He fired back when asked about the report but didn’t outright turn it down. He was more or less offended at the timing of the question when asked about it.
“Why would you ask me about that on Christmas, man?… You didn’t say Merry Christmas or nothing,” Harden said. “You asked me about something that I ain’t even… I’m not answering. I didn’t see nothing.”
NBA Analysis Network recently spoke to an NBA executive that described a “growing buzz” surrounding Harden’s potential departure from the 76ers to join the Rockets in the upcoming offseason.
“It sounds like a real possibility right now (for Harden to join the Rockets this summer). If the 76ers overachieve in the playoffs, it’d be tough for him to leave a situation like that,” the executive said. “But if they come up short again, all bets are off. He loves the city of Houston, and it doesn’t hurt that this time will probably have had like three top-five picks in the last few years. They can get creative with the Nets’ picks in trades, too. I know the owner there doesn’t want to be losing much longer. Sounds like a fit.”
Among Harden’s accomplishments are the 2017-18 MVP, three scoring titles, seven All-NBA selections, 10 All-Star selections, and a spot on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Despite this, there is one thing that he is missing: a championship, and if he returns to the Rockets at 34 years old, that is not likely to change. It’s true that the team has some young potential with Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., but it’s also 13-45, which is the worst record in the league.
In reality, the Rockets are unlikely to contend for a championship in the near future with Harden’s presence. Perhaps that would change if they landed Victor Wembenyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, and used their future draft capital to make aggressive win-now trades.
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