Sixers guard James Harden can opt out of his contract after the season, and he may choose to do so and return to the team where he emerged as a superstar.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports Harden would consider signing with the Rockets in the offseason if he doesn’t sign a long-term with Philadelphia. As part of his current contract, the guard is making $33 million this season, and he has a $35 million player option next season.
The Rockets traded Harden to the Nets during the 2020-21 season, after Harden requested a trade due to unhappiness with the direction of the organization. Since then, Houston has added top-three draft picks in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith, and the Rockets have a young roster that also includes Kevin Porter Jr., Kenyon Martin Jr. and Alperen Şengün.
Additionally, the Rockets are currently 9-23 and on pace for yet another high pick while owning three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA draft.
Harden was one of the NBA’s best players while with the Rockets, winning the 2017-18 MVP award. He led Houston to eight consecutive playoff appearances, including two trips to the Western Conference finals. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in points per game, assists and three-pointers.
Even though Harden wanted out of Houston, things have not gone swimmingly elsewhere. Harden’s tenure with the Nets was a failure and led to a trade to the Sixers, who are currently the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference at 19-12. This Sixers season might be the determining factor in Harden’s decision.
