76ers: Rockets Rumored to Suddenly Leave James Harden Market

The Houston Rockets suddenly seem like they are no longer interested in James Harden.

Dating back to Christmas Day in 2022, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden was linked to the Houston Rockets. Despite forcing his way out of Houston two years prior, the Rockets suddenly became suitors to potentially land the veteran guard in 2023.

Deadline day is here for Harden and his $35 million player option. While opting out is far from a guarantee, the league-wide expectation is that Harden will decline the option and hit the free agency market.

Last month, that scenario was predicted to be followed by a Harden-Houston reunion. After the infamous Christmas Day report shook up the league, the rumors of Harden running home never evaporated. And even during the Sixers’ playoff run, the reports of Harden potentially jetting in free agency flew around the rumor mill.

When the Sixers fell short to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs, Harden was hesitant to reveal his plans for the future. Compared to last summer, when he was in a similar position contractually, Harden no longer seemed to be chomping at the bit to return to the Sixers.

A betting man probably would’ve gone all in with a wager in favor of Harden taking his talents back to Texas, but the Rockets are rumored to have a change of heart with free agency just days away.

According to Rockets Insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the new narrative is that the Rockets are no longer interested in Harden.

“In recent days, I’ve understood that Houston is no longer an option for James. I would call them out of the running. James was never interested in taking some kind of discount two years in a row. He made, what, $34-35 million this year? He could stand to make 50 to 52 (million). He was not going to take a discount, and the Rockets were never going to pay him that kind of max money.”

Could a dark horse team swoop in and replace the Rockets in the two-team race for Harden’s services? Sure. But for the time being, it seems Harden and the Sixers will soon be negotiating a new deal to keep the ten-time All-Star playing alongside the MVP, Joel Embiid.

Considering the consistent narrative change throughout the offseason on the Harden front, I wouldn’t bank on the Rockets remaining out of the running for good. However, as the guard market forms, it seems the Rockets are shifting their attention to some other prospects that are better suited for their timeline.

Lately, former Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet and former Memphis Grizzlies veteran Dillon Brooks have been linked to Houston. With both prospects expected to demand notable contracts, there might not be enough room left over for Harden unless he’s willing to take a pay cut. Coming off of a discounted season already, that’s likely not in the cards for Harden.

The clock is still ticking on Harden’s decision to pick up or decline his player option for next year. In the event he does the expected, Harden will be a name to keep an eye on when the free agency floodgates open up this week.