Rockets Free Agency: James Harden 'Torn' Between Houston And Philadelphia

With free agency less than a month away, a reunion between James Harden and the Houston Rockets may not be a foregone conclusion.

HOUSTON — Since ESPN reported James Harden's free agency interest in the Houston Rockets on Christmas day, a reunion between the two respective parties has appeared inevitable. 

But with free agency set to begin in a few weeks, The Athletic reported that Harden is "torn" between his decision to return to the Rockets or re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

"My sense right now is this is someone that is torn," Shams Charania said. "I think whichever way it goes, it’s going to be relatively close." 

76ers' president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, said the franchise has an interest in retaining Harden. Morey served as the Rockets' general manager from 2007 to 2020. He orchestrated the deal that landed the Rockets Harden in 2012, where he spent nine seasons with the franchise.

Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million option to enter free agency in July. The future Hall-of-Famer aims to land a four-year contract and a team that will give him the freedom to play his style of basketball.

Harden led the NBA in assists after averaging 10.7 dimes while scoring 21.0 points across 58 games. He helped the 76ers go 54-28 during the 2022-23 season but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games during the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

"We are a really good team," Harden said following the 76ers post-season elimination to the Celtics. "We were just a couple shots away from being in the Eastern Conference Finals...I feel like we have a solid team. Every off-season you look to get better, whether with the personnel you have now or just by adding pieces. We will see how this one goes."

Since he departed from Houston in January 2021, the Rockets have accumulated several young players that Harden is fond of, which includes Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green.

Before the Rockets hired Ime Udoka in late April, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that each candidate was asked about coaching Harden during the interview process. They also added the admiration owner Tilman Fertitta still has for his former star.

Harden played for the Rockets for nine seasons. He averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 games. He won his lone MVP award in 2018 after leading the Rockets to a 65-17 record.

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