Harden wants Howard back: 'We love Big Fella'

Chemistry issues? What chemistry issues?

It seems like a mere formality at this point that Dwight Howard will turn down his player option for 2016-17 in favor of becoming an unrestricted free agent. And after toiling through a miserable tenure with the Houston Rockets, he's seems as good as gone.

But at the very least, James Harden is still willing to pay lip service to his running mate.

"I mean, ultimately it’s his decision," Harden told reporters on Wednesday after their 4-1 series loss to the Golden State Warriors. "But you know obviously we love Big Fella here and I guess he’ll go back with his family and figure it out."

Never mind the multiple reports that Harden wanted Howard moved at the trade deadline, or the blatant disdain most of the Rockets held for each other.

Let's bring back the merry band. Howard must be thrilled with that idea.