10-time All-Star James Harden signing with his old team, the Houston Rockets, remains a serious possibility, according to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Harden becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30 once he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“But even beyond the vast contrast between the state of each franchise — an established Eastern Conference power vs. the rebuilding Rockets — it’s the leverage game that makes this all so compelling,” Amick wrote. “Each team, it has seemed at times, views the other as nothing more than a pawn whose main role is to help Harden get the biggest and best deal possible.
“Only Harden and his inner circle truly know which way he is leaning, but a source close to him reconfirmed that the Rockets remain a serious possibility. And yes, as you may have wondered, that’s still the case with Houston deciding to add guard Amen Thompson out of the Overtime Elite program with the fourth pick (they added forward Cam Whitmore out of Villanova at No. 20 as well).”
Harden is one of the greatest players in Rockets 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Houston Rockets Updates
During the 2017-18 season, Harden averaged 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists, winning the MVP Award and leading the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals. However, the Golden State Warriors defeated Houston in seven games.
Harden requested a trade from the Rockets in 2020-21 and was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. The future Hall of Famer played in 80 games with the Nets before getting traded to the Sixers in 2021-22. Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists this past season for Philadelphia. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Houston Rockets Updates
It’s going to be fascinating to see what Harden does once free agency starts. He’ll either re-sign with the Sixers or go back to the Rockets.
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