Rockets Insider Places 70 Percent Chance On James Harden's Return To Houston

NBA free agency is five months away, but James Harden's return to the Houston Rockets is starting to pick up more momentum.

HOUSTON — Philadelphia 76ers' James Harden could be on the move again. But his next move could reunite him with his former team, the Houston Rockets.

According to ESPN in December, Harden, who signed a two-year $68.6 million contract with the Sixers in June, could entertain the possibility of reuniting with the Rockets if he re-enters free agency this summer. The Athletic says there is a 70 percent chance Harden returns to Houston in July.

"I'm putting it at a seven out of 10," Kelly Iko said on KPRC. "Where there's smoke, there's fire. James loves this city and the young guys on the roster. Crazier things have happened. Don't call me crazy. But you might be seeing something different."

His future with the 76ers remains a fluid situation. The most significant reasons that will determine Harden's future in Philadelphia are post-season success and whether or not he could land a long-term contract with the franchise.

The Rockets traded Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in January of 2021. And Houston has since added a young corps of talent headlined by Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.

Houston's young corps was on display during a double-overtime victory over the 76ers on Dec. 5 inside the Toyota Center. Green scored a team-best 27 points, while Porter added 24. harden finished with 21 points on 4-of-19 shooting in the loss.

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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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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