James Harden is set to his free agency at the end of the NBA season with reports linking him with a sensational return to the Houston Rockets, and a conversation between Harden and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta hints he's already made up his mind.
Harden left the Rockets in 2021 after nine years with the team where he become a franchise legend. He joined the Brooklyn Nets alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in what looked to be a 'super team', but they lasted just a few months with Harden being traded again, this time to the Philadelphia 76ers. Both Irving and Durant have also departed Brooklyn in recent weeks.
Since joining the Sixers, Harden has found his Rockets form once again, playing at an elite level alongside Joel Embiid for Philadelphia as they look to be legitimate contenders in the eastern conference.
With Harden and Embiid, the Sixers could be set up for title runs for the next few seasons. However, the former MVP is set to become a free agent this summer, while having the option to extend his deal for another year if he wishes.
Harden is unlikely to do that though, as he know that this will be the last chance for him to be given a huge max-contract deal, something a few teams would likely offer him. And if that does not come from Philadelphia, it may well come from the Rockets, who have already told Harden that he is welcome back.
According to The Athletic, Harden spoke with Fertitta before leaving the Rockets and was told he would "always be welcome back any time". That feeling was apparently mutual between player and ownership.
Harden was forced to play what's commonly regarded as 'Heroball' during his time with the Rockets, having a high usage rate while taking the vast majority of shots. With the 76ers, however, he's played a supporting role to Embiid.
If Harden were to return to Houston, he would likely have to return to a role of team leader, considering the Rockets' poor current crop of players.
The Rockets have the worst record in the NBA and looking like it will be years before they will be able to compete again. However, they could be immediately boosted if they secure the #1 pick in the draft, a move which would bag them French prospect Victor Wembanyama.
