NBA Free Agency: James Harden, Rockets Reunion Inevitable?

With free agency starting in July, a reunion between the Houston Rockets and James Harden appears to be inevitable.

HOUSTON — James Harden's potential return to the Houston Rockets appears inevitable. ESPN was the first to report Harden's interest in the Rockets in December. And since Christmas Day, the rumors have yet to die down.

The latest came from the Philadelphia Inquirer Friday morning. According to Keith Pompey, there's a belief among league executives that Harden will opt out of his deal with the Philadelphia 76ers to rejoin the Rockets.

Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million option to enter free agency in July. The 10-time All-Star is aiming to land a four-year contract and a team that will give him the freedom to play his style of basketball.

Before the Rockets hired Ime Udoka in late April, Pompey added that each candidate was asked about coaching Harden during the interview process. Pompey also included the love Rockets' owner Tilman Fertitta has for his former star.

The 76ers went 54-28 during the regular season but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games during the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Harden led the NBA in assists after averaging 10.7 dimes and scoring 21.0 points across 58 games.

He expressed his desire to win his first championship title following the 76ers' post-season elimination on Sunday. But Harden has also displayed his admiration for the Rockets' young corps and the City of Houston.

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.

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