NBA Rumors: Execs Predict James Harden Will Return to Rockets

Is James Harden still expected to leave for Houston this summer?

At this point in the year, it’s apparent that Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden will likely decline his player option for next season. As a result, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Although Harden’s final two performances in a Sixers uniform during the Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics didn’t leave a great taste in the mouths of Sixers fans, who are starved for a title run for the first time since 2001, the organization itself didn’t sour on Harden.

On Wednesday, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey noted that getting Harden back on the team with a new contract would be a priority this summer. 

“Scenario A would be to bring James back,” Morey said. “Scenario B, if he’s not back, we’ll have to get creative.”

Throughout the 2022-2023 NBA season, talks of a potential James Harden-Houston Rockets reunion next season were thrown into the rumor mill. Rumors first started in December as the Sixers prepared for a primetime matchup against the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. 

Less than one week after the Sixers closed out their Game 7 loss against the Celtics during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, league executives are rumored to believe that Harden will make his way back to Houston this summer, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Sources have said his interest in returning to Houston is mutual and not a ploy to get a lucrative deal out of the Sixers. His mother still lives in the city. He has several business ventures there. And, as one source said, “he’s treated like a god in Houston.”

Although the Sixers have Harden’s bird rights, giving them an opportunity to re-sign him for more than the Rockets can offer — a potential deal from Houston won’t have to come cheap. 

While it’s unclear if the Sixers are willing to outbid the Rockets with a max contract to retain Harden, Harden has shown a willingness to take a discount to get what he wants.

Putting the financials aside, other factors are sure to play into Harden’s next move. 

Per Pompey’s report, the Rockets’ recent coaching search was conducted with Harden in mind. When the Rockets officially replaced Stephen Silas, they hired former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, who spent time coaching Harden during his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets.

Meanwhile, the Sixers moved on from their head coach Doc Rivers, who Harden publicly stated he had just an “OK” relationship with. After the Sixers parted ways with Rivers, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that multiple members of Rivers’ staff in Philadelphia felt Harden was a “driving force” behind Rivers’ firing.

The Sixers won’t rush to hire a new coach, but they could conduct their search with the ten-time All-Star in mind if they like their chances of getting him back. 

Houston’s biggest advantage is the fact that they would likely build and scheme around Harden, which is something Harden desires after spending the last few seasons as a complementary co-star to players such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Joel Embiid. 

However, the Rockets are far from contenders with their current roster, as they finished the 2022-2023 season at 22-60. Following Philadelphia’s Game 7 loss against the Celtics, Harden mentioned that he wants to play with a team that can win. On paper, Philadelphia certainly fits the bill better, as they’ve been to the playoffs consistently in recent years, and employ the NBA’s MVP. 

A lot can happen over the next few months, as the Sixers and the Rockets will be making changes to their rosters and coaching staff throughout the course of the offseason. Additionally, other teams could also enter the market for Harden as well. 

Considering the 2023 Playoffs haven’t even concluded yet, it’s still too early to guarantee that Harden will return to Houston after spending the last season and a half with the 76ers.