James Harden 'Done with 76ers'; Rockets Trade Next Move?

James Harden has opted into his deal with the 76ers and the two parties will work together to find a trade. Are the Houston Rockets a candidate for his services?

HOUSTON — James Harden's pending free agency has taken an unexpected turn. According to The Athletic, Harden has opted into his $35.6 million deal for the 2023-24 season. Instead of hitting the open market on July 1, Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers will work on a trade. 

The Athletic added that the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are two teams that will try to make a move for the 10-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer.

A reunion with the Houston Rockets has long appeared to be a realistic destination for Harden had he decided to leave Philadelphia. But in recent weeks, it appears that the Rockets have fallen out of the running for Harden. Why? There are rumors that he's expressed a desire for a contract the size of which Houston - considered Harden's "adopted home town'' - is not comfortable with. With a potential trade on the way for Harden, as it stands now, there are no indications that the Rockets will pursue their former franchise star via trade.

Harden joined the Sixers in February 2022 following his jettison from the Brooklyn Nets. Philadelphia sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round selections in the exchange. 

Harden this 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.

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