Report: Harden considering Rockets return in free agency this summer
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden is seriously considering a move back to the Houston Rockets this summer if he chooses not to sign a new deal with his current squad, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Harden spent eight-and-a-half seasons with the Rockets, and the community, lifestyle, and family in Houston still have a "magnetic pull" for him, Wojnarowski reports.
The 10-time All-Star forced his way out of Houston midway through the 2020-21 season, eventually getting shipped to the Brooklyn Nets. He was then sent to the 76ers at the 2022 trade deadline following a failed experiment with fellow stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
After last season's disappointing playoff exit, Harden signed a discounted two-year, $68.6-million deal to remain in Philadelphia, but he has a player option this summer that would allow him to enter free agency early.
Harden pushed back on the rumors after Sunday's 119-112 victory over the New York Knicks. He told reporters, including NBC Sports' Noah Levick, "I'm here, we're playing very well, and I don't know where that report came from.
"But I'm excited to be here, and we're playing well. We're continuing to get better."
From the 2020-21 season until now, the Rockets have gone a league-worst 46-140. Houston is continuing a rebuild as one of the youngest teams in the NBA, stocked with promising prospects including recent top-three picks Jalen Green and Jabari Smith.
With most of their players on inexpensive rookie contracts, the Rockets would have the requisite cap space to be able to offer Harden a significant offer.
Harden came off the bench in his first three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being selected with the No. 3 pick in 2009. He became one of the faces of the NBA after joining the Rockets in 2012.
He averaged 29.6 points, six rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in his eight full seasons with Houston, earning the league's scoring crown three times, leading the Association in assists once, and winning the MVP trophy in 2018.
"The Beard" is the Rockets' franchise leader in 3-pointers, assists, and free throws, ranking second in points behind legend Hakeem Olajuwon.
The 33-year-old hasn't been quite as effective scoring the ball in recent years and is averaging just 21.4 points per game this season in Philadelphia, his lowest total since his final year in Oklahoma City. However, Harden ranks second in the league in assists per game with 10.3.