NBA insider Stephen A. Smith of ESPN dropped some inside info on James Harden and the Houston Rockets on June 13th’s episode of “First Take.”
Smith said when Harden requested a trade from the Rockets during the 2020-21 season, he wanted to go to the Philadelphia 76ers to reunite with Daryl Morey. However, Houston didn’t want that to happen, so the franchise sent The Beard to the Brooklyn Nets since Harden was cool playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
However, during the trade request, Harden and the Rockets agreed that they could reunite in the future.
“I’m not guessing. I’m telling you what I know,” Smith said. “I’m going to put this story to bed right now.”
Harden is expected to decline his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason. Smith doesn’t believe the former MVP will go back to the Rockets because he doesn’t think Houston will give Harden the money he’s looking for.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Houston Rockets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
However, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harden is expected to sign with the Rockets, the team he played nine years for.
“The belief among NBA executives is that James Harden will rejoin the Houston Rockets this summer,” Pompey wrote. “Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta ‘loves’ the 76ers point guard. The franchise expects to reunite with him, sources say. Before the Rockets hired Ime Udoka on April 25, head coaching candidates were asked for their opinion on coaching Harden during the interview process, according to sources.
“Sources have said his interest in returning to Houston is mutual and not a ploy to get a lucrative deal out of the Sixers. His mother still lives in the city. He has several business ventures there. And, as one source said, ‘he’s treated like a god in Houston.’”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Houston Rockets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden is one of the greatest players in Rockets franchise history. He’s first all-time in 3-point field goals, free throws, assists, triple-doubles, points per game, player efficiency rating, offensive win shares and box plus-minus.
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