Ranking the 5 best available NBA free agent point guards in 2023

Best available free agent point guards: 2. James Harden (player option)

This season was a colossal disappointment for the Philadelphia 76ers. In the fallout, there could be a major roster shakeup, and James Harden is a potential piece of that.

Harden was heroic in Game 1 of the second round. He exploded for 45 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals, as he carried the Sixers to an upset victory without Embiid. However, he was a radically different player in Games 6 and 7, shooting a combined 7-of-27 from the floor.

Despite the elimination game struggles, Harden has shown a dedication to winning in Philadelphia. He shifted to a pass-first point guard role. The three-time scoring champion led the NBA with 10.7 assists per game, and he took 10.0 fewer field goal attempts per game than he did in 2018-19. Furthermore, he accepted a $15 million pay cut last summer to save cap space.

Nevertheless, his return is far from guaranteed. He is 33 years old and signing him to a max contract carries risk.

There is also a distinct possibility that Harden does not want to return. In December, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden is “seriously considering” returning to the Rockets this summer. In March, The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Kelly Iko reported that the Rockets are “widely expected” to pursue Harden.

Harden returning to Houston appears shocking on the surface, but it makes sense the further you dive into it. On a personal level, he has expressed his love for the city. In 2022, he told Laura Schreffler of Haute Time that he still considers Houston “home”. He has business ties in the city, as well. He is a part owner of the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and owns the downtown restaurant, Thirteen.

Heading into free agency, there appear to be only two realistic contenders in the Harden sweepstakes.