James Harden is considering going back to the Houston Rockets

Should James Harden and the Houston Rockets embark on a new beginning this summer — nearly three years after their breakup that was both messy and misunderstood — it will be a reunion born out of what so many believed was their ending.

The deal to Brooklyn that finally went down on Jan. 13, 2021, was already done, with Harden heading to the Nets in a blockbuster involving four teams, three first-round picks, four first-round pick swaps and players. But Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, whose unabashed love of all things Harden was no secret during their three and a half years contending for titles together, had a message to share with his soon-to-be former franchise centerpiece on his way out the door.

“You’re always welcome back here,” he told him in so many words during a goodbye phone call between the two.

But more than two years later, with Harden focused on his championship pursuits with the Philadelphia 76ers these days and the speculation over what he’ll do in free agency already in full swing, the more important part about that final Rockets conversation was what came next. Harden, sources with knowledge of the situation say, made it abundantly clear the feeling was mutual. There were no promises made that day — on either side — but everyone who was part of those final Harden days in Houston knew there were strong indications he’d be back, specifically, in the summer of 2023.

Fast forward to the present day, and the whispers about a Harden-Rockets reunion are louder than ever. Never mind that this Harden-Joel Embiid iteration of the Sixers looks as capable as ever of winning the whole thing, or that the Rockets are in the midst of the worst three-season stretch in franchise history.

This possibility, which was born out of those parting talks and first reported by ESPN in late December, is as strong now as ever. Sources, who like all of the other sources in this story were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely, have told The Athletic Houston is widely expected to pursue the 13-year veteran point guard if, as is expected, he declines his player option for the 2023-24 season. And even more surprisingly, sources with knowledge of Harden’s outlook say he’s as serious about a possible return now as he was when he left town.

As free agency situations go, this is about as unique as they come. It’s puzzling on paper, what with Harden still looking for his first championship and the Rockets looking like the league’s least likely collection of players capable of helping him in that mission. But Harden’s ties to the Houston region, and to the Rockets organization for which he played in those eight-plus seasons, run deep in the kind of way that simply can’t be forgotten here.

Like, Share & Subscribe!

Social Media
IG- Willxgreggs
Twitter- Willxgreggs
TikTok- Willtalks.sports
TikTok- Willtalkssports.pod

#shorts #nbanews #jamesharden #76ers #houstonrockets