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NBA rumors: James Harden is still torn between 76ers and Rockets

By Jonathan Lurensky

May 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA rumors may be flying but the latest buzz is that Hames Harden is still torn between re-signing with the 76ers or leaving for the Rockets.

It seems like one of the best free agents on the market will choose between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets. Shams Charania has reported that James Harden is deciding between re-signing with the Sixers and signing with the Rockets this offseason. It has seemed like the decision will come down to these two for some time, but it’s interesting to hear it confirmed and that he hasn’t made up his mind yet.

Looking in between the lines, one could guess that the Rockets are offering Harden a contract closer to a full max deal than the Sixers. Philadelphia may be more hesitant to make the same commitment knowing that Harden’s play will decline in the last couple of years of a long-term contract.

Harden’s game has changed and over the past few years and his hamstring injuries have been a lot more frequent than they were in the past. Statistically, he hasn’t really fallen off yet but it is clear that he is not the All-NBA player he once was — his quickness is not what it used to be and that will be most likely something that will continue to fade. This skill might fade quicker than expected with his overall hamstring not being what it once was.

How would James Harden fit with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets?

For the 76ers, re-signing James Harden is crucial to their hopes of pursuing a championship next season. If leaves they won’t have a ton of easy options for replacing him.

Houston would still have tons of cap space after signing James Harden to a max deal. This team is full of young players on rookie contracts. Harden would join a team that is headlined by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.

Houston could go in a lot of different directions if they are able to sign James Harden. They could try to get him to recruit a running mate in Khris Middleton or they could choose to add other supporting role players to this team. Houston may be more fun and more money, but he’ll have a better chance of competing for a title in Philadelphia.

Without any knowledge of any other moves, it seems like Harden is choosing between title contention and going back to the home where he was once most comfortale.

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