In his first full season with the 76ers, James Harden has given Philadelphia almost everything that the franchise could have possibly wanted after it made a blockbuster trade for the 10-time All-Star.
Through the first three-quarters of the 2022-23 campaign, Harden is averaging 21.6 points, 10.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 39.4 percent on 3-pointers. He has formed a dynamic duo with MVP candidate Joel Embiid, making the 76ers a serious threat to come out of the Eastern Conference.
And yet, even in the midst of a terrific season, the whispers about Harden potentially leaving Philadelphia this summer keep getting louder. The biggest threat to the Sixers' future success could be one of Harden's old teams.
SIGN UP TO WATCH EVERY GAME ON NBA LEAGUE PASS: U.S. and U.K. | All other countries
Will James Harden rejoin the Rockets?
Before the start of a Christmas Day game between the 76ers and Knicks, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden was "seriously considering" a return to the Rockets in free agency if he can't reach an agreement on a new deal with the 76ers.
Per Wojnarowski:
Despite forcing his way out of the Rockets in January 2021, Harden has maintained something of a magnetic pull to Houston, drawn to the community, lifestyle and family there, sources said. After what would become relatively brief stops in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, a move back to a rebuilding Rockets franchise would effectively represent comfort and familiarity over an immediate championship pursuit.
When asked about the possibility of rejoining the Rockets, Harden "became agitated," according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
"Why would you ask me about that on Christmas, man?" Harden said. "You didn't say Merry Christmas or nothing. You asked me about something that I ain't even... I'm not answering. I didn't see nothing."
After a couple of quiet months, a report from The Athletic's Sam Amick and Kelly Iko reignited the conversation. Houston is "widely expected" to pursue Harden if he enters free agency, according to Amick and Iko, and Harden is "serious" about a reunion.
The 33-year-old has maintained strong ties to the Houston area, and his relationship with Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta "remains strong," per Amick and Iko. Harden also holds a high opinion of Houston's young talent, including Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
However, the 76ers are reportedly "unconcerned" about the idea of Harden hitting the eject button. Philadelphia presents him with a legitimate chance to win a championship, while Houston may finish with the worst record in the league this season.
And, perhaps just as important, the Sixers can give Harden a lot of money.
James Harden contract details
Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal with the 76ers in July 2022. If he declines his player option for the 2023-24 season, he can become an unrestricted free agent.
| Season | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Harden's salary | $33 million | $35.6 million* | UFA |
* Player option
As Amick and Iko noted, Philadelphia can hand Harden a five-year, $272 million contract. Other suitors, including Houston, can max out at four years and $201 million.
The Rockets will have plenty of cap space available during the 2023 offseason, but it still won't be able to match the 76ers' best offer. That could be a significant factor in negotiations.
