Rockets Free Agency: James Harden In Line For Massive Payday?

The Houston Rockets may have to break the bank in order to sign James Harden during free agency this off-season.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets and James Harden appear to be on a collision course for a reunion. But a homecoming could cost the Rockets a good deal of their available cap space. 

ESPN reported on Sunday that there is "an appetite" around the league for Harden to receive a four-year contract worth more than $200 million.

The Philadelphia 76ers could offer the most money to the 10-time All-Star. The 76ers could re-sign Harden for $210.1 million over the next four years. But should Harden sign with another team, the future Hall-of-Famer could receive a max contract worth up to 201.0 million.  

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Friday that there's a belief among league executives that Harden will opt out of his deal with the 76ers to rejoin the Rockets.

Philadelphia's 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 averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 career games with the Rockets. He won his lone MVP award in 2018 after leading the Rockets to a 65-17 record.

The 76ers went 54-28 during the 2022-23 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.

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