76ers Still in Play For James Harden, Reunion With Rockets Fading?

As a reunion between James Harden and the Houston Rockets begins to fade, the Sixers remain a strong option for the future Hall of Famer in free agency.

HOUSTON — Since Dec. 25, a reunion between James Harden and the Houston Rockets appeared inevitable.

Harden became impressed with Houston's young team after the Philadelphia 76ers sustained an overtime defeat in Houston on Dec. 5. And given the importance of Philadelphia's championship window, post-season success would have a significant impact when determining Harden's future in Philadelphia following the 2022-23 season. 

But over the last week, re-signing with the Sixers has become a real possibility for Harden. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden and his representatives have not made a decision about his future. Wojnarowski added that Harden has yet to opt out of his $35.6 million option to enter free agency on Friday.

"I'm told James Harden and his representatives have not made a decision yet on that $35.6 million player option that he would have to exercise by Thursday afternoon. It gives him about two days now to figure out whether it makes more sense to decline it and then go into free agency where they can negotiate a new deal with the Sixers. Or look elsewhere, including the Houston Rockets." — Wojnarowski

Sixers' president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, said the franchise has an interest in retaining Harden since their season ended on May 14. 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.

Morey later acquired Harden for a second time in February 2022 in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets for Ben Simmons.

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.

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