James Harden’s potential return to the Rockets has been the talk of the NBA world in recent days. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the 33-year-old superstar could opt out of his contract with the 76ers and come back to Houston.
Wojnarowski explained the reasons behind the possible move, stating that “there are a lot of things that are attractive with Houston for him. It is home, family there, familiarity with the organization and community.”
According to Woj, a lot will depend on how far the Sixers go in the postseason. Currently, they lead the Celtics 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Harden’s departure from Houston in 2021 was a controversial one, with many fans feeling betrayed by the star player who forced his way out. However, it appears that the Rockets are willing to forgive and forget, as they look to rebuild and return to the playoffs.
After three years of rebuilding, finishing 15th twice and 14th once in the Western Conference, the Rockets are determined to return to contention. They have already taken the first step by hiring Ime Udoka, who led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, as their new head coach.
Harden could take on a vital veteran leadership role on the young Houston team, who are expected to target big names this summer. The Rockets have been linked with several marquee free agents, and Harden’s return could make them an even more attractive destination for top-tier talent.
Prior to the 2022-2023 NBA season, Harden signed a 1+1 deal with the Sixers worth $68.4 million. While there is no indication that he is unhappy in Philadelphia, the allure of returning home to Houston may be too great to resist.
It remains to be seen if the Rockets will be able to lure Harden back to Houston, but one thing is certain – his return would be a major boost for the team and the city. Rockets fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments in the coming weeks and months as free agency gets underway.
