NBA rumors: James Harden is ‘serious’ about a possible return to Houston
It seems that James Harden is indeed “serious” about returning to Houston. Despite the fact that the Sixers are contending for a title, Harden could leave in free agency and go back to the team where he spent the majority of his career.
Per a report from Kelly Iko and Sam Amick, James Harden is “serious” about returning to Houston during the offseason. Currently, Harden has a player option that he will likely decline, making him a free agent. The Sixers are currently in the fight for a trip for Harden and Joel Embiid’s first NBA Finals trip. While they are not the top favorites to come out of the East, they do have a solid shot to knock off the Celtics and Bucks in consecutive rounds to make it to the finals.
The Harden back to Houston rumors started when Woj reported at Christmas that he would consider going back to his former team in free agency. Since then, the rumors have been there but for a long time, it seemed like it was a leverage play. While Harden could sign with the Sixers for max money, it would seem hard for them to give him a max long-term deal.
James Harden reportedly likes the Rockets young core, especially Jalen Green
Until this recent report, it seemed questionable that Harden would go back to a team that is still rebuilding. The Rockets do have a young core of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr, Alperen Sengun, and others but they are nowhere near title contention. For a player like Harden, who only has so many years of his prime left, it would be an unexpected decision. But it’s been reported that Harden loves the Rockets’ young core.
Despite the interest from the Rockets, the Sixers are “unconcerned” about Harden’s interest in Houston. The article mentions further that the Sixers have two things that Houston doesn’t — a chance to win a title and “maximum earning” potential.
This response seems to signal that the Sixers will be able to offer Harden a deal more to his liking, provided that they go far this season in the playoffs. While the Sixers have the talent to make the conference finals or finals or even win the whole thing, the Celtics or Bucks beating them in round two is a scenario that all hoops fans can see coming.
Next. The best NBA Draft pick of all time at every slot. dark
Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.