The Houston Rockets are “out of the running” in the James Harden sweepstakes, according to NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Harden is widely expected to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers. He could either opt into his 2023-24 player option or opt-out and sign a new contract with the Sixers.
The Rockets have over $60 million in cap space. They have been heavily linked to Harden, who is one of the greatest players in Houston history. However, according to Iko, the Rockets are no longer an option for “The Beard.”
“In recent days, I’ve understood that Houston is no longer an option for James,” Iko said in a Twitter live stream. “I would call them out of the running. … James was never interested in taking any kind of discount two years in a row. He made, what, $34-35 million this year? He could stand to make around $50 to 52 (million). He was not going to take a discount, and the Rockets were never going to pay him that kind of max money.”
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 2023-23 while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The future Hall of Famer led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Houston Rockets Updates
The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the series. Doc Rivers was fired as head coach and replaced by Nick Nurse, who won the 2019 championship with the Toronto Raptors over the Golden State Warriors.
Nurse and Harden met a few weeks ago in Houston. Harden is said to be excited to play for Nurse since he didn’t enjoy playing for Rivers.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Houston Rockets Updates
One of the greatest players of all time, Harden has career averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers. He is still looking to win his first championship.
The Rockets will focus on signing All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet and small forward Dillon Brooks.
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