The Houston Rockets are making headlines in the NBA free-agent market for their interest in bringing back a familiar face. The James Harden rumors of the Rockets pursuing former player and current Philadelphia 76ers star have been swirling around the league. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets have already convinced many teams that they are serious about making a run at Harden this summer.
Harden’s future with the 76ers is uncertain. He can become a free agent this offseason by opting out of the final year of his contract by June 29. His player option for the 2023-24 season is worth $35.6 million. With Harden’s future in question, the Rockets have a chance to lure him back to the team where he won his three scoring titles. He also was a nine-time All-Star and won the 2017-18 MVP award.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also reported last month on his podcast that the Rockets are very much in play for Harden. He explained that it may depend on the success of the 76ers and if it’s easy for the team to pay him long-term big money, if he just wants to be back in Houston regardless of winning or losing, or if it’s dependent on the team’s success.
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James Harden to Houston Rockets may be possible
Harden hasn’t made an official decision about his contract for next season. Although, he hinted that he may enter free agency when he hired former Adidas executive Tom Payne to be his representative earlier this year. Payne is his first full-time agency partnership since 2017, when his former agent, Rob Pelinka, became general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers.
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The Houston Rockets rumors for James Harden have been in the market for too long. Houston Rockets are one of the most financially flexible teams this summer. With an estimated $60 million in cap space, the Rockets can offer Harden a substantial contract. They sure would be hoping that these James Harden rumors of a return to the franchise actually come true.
If Harden does return to Houston, he’ll be joining a talented, young group. That group includes Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Kenyon Martin Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Harden played for the Rockets from 2012 until he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021. Bringing back the superstar alongside this promising group of players could provide the Rockets with the success they need in the upcoming season and beyond.
The Houston Rockets are indeed seriously pursuing James Harden. If they succeed, it could be a significant move for the franchise. Harden’s return to Houston could be the answer to the Rockets’ struggles. It would provide them with a competitive edge in the upcoming season. Fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for James Harden and the Rockets.
