James Harden’s potential return to the Houston Rockets next season is still the subject of NBA rumors. With the team, Harden had the finest years of his career. With them, he earned his one MVP award in 2018 and three straight scoring championships.
According to The Athletics’ Kelly Iko, there’s a 70% possibility Harden might return to his previous squad owing to various circumstances. Iko stated the following (via Bradeaux):
“I’m going with 70%. Where there is smoke, I believe there is fire. James adores the place. He loves those guys on the roster, the young talents in Houston. He owns residences, enterprises, and connections to the area.”
After the Oklahoma Thunder declined to offer him a maximum deal, the Houston Rockets put their confidence in James Harden as their team’s linchpin. The decision paid handsomely since Harden made the Rockets consistent postseason competitors and was their greatest chance to become a national brand in the city.
From 2012 through 2021, the relationship ran for over nine years. Once the Houston Rockets continually failed to assemble a real competitive roster around Harden, it didn’t end well. Before the 2021 deadline, he forced his way out and was sent to the Brooklyn Nets in a big trade.
With the Houston Rockets, James Harden may sign the final max contract of his professional career
James Harden re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for a two-year, $68.6 million contract last offseason, accepting a salary reduction. By choosing not to exercise his $47.3 million player option, Harden gave up over $15 million and allowed the Sixers the ability to retool their team to better suit him and Joel Embiid. Next season, Harden will have a player option for $35.6 million.
James Harden could opt out and sign a bigger deal. It’s unknown, though, if the Philadelphia 76ers would offer James Harden the maximum salary if they don’t succeed in winning a title.
The Rockets will have 11 players on their payroll and $72.6 million in projected salary space, according to Spotrac. Together with their youthful core of Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr., it will provide them with the freedom to offer James Harden a deal he desires and another well-known free agent who they could combine with him.
The Rockets might potentially get the No. 1 selection for the next draft and boost their inventory of young players by picking touted prospect Victor Wembanyama. If the reunion with James Harden happens, they may be one of the NBA’s most thrilling teams.
