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Sports Illustrated

Frankie Taddeo

NBA World Reacts to Friday’s James Harden Wild Free Agency News

James Harden NBA Rockets Houston (Organization) Keith Pompey 76ers

After the 76ers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Celtics, one of the club’s biggest stars may no longer willing to “trust the process.”

It has been reported that point guard James Harden will decline his player option and enter free agency, a potential sign that he will leave the City of Brotherly Love.

On Friday Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that there are strong indications Harden could be seeking a return to the Rockets next season.

Harden produced his best NBA production while playing for Houston, winning the league’s scoring title for three consecutive seasons (2017 to ‘10). The 2018 NBA MVP has failed to reach those heights while calling Broad Street home, despite being a solid floor general this past season, leading the NBA with 10.7 assists per game.

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James Harden is reportedly expected to leave the 76ers for the Rockets https://t.co/W4Ib24jKkE
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 19, 2023

After Pompey’s report, social media exploded with a variety of opinions, ranging from utter shock to pure joy from Rockets fans to those who believes the news screams of tampering by the Rockets.

I’ve thought all the Harden to Houston stuff was just smoke & mirrors to leverage another deal with Philly the entire time… I am genuinely shocked.

I know he’s got family & business in Houston still, but I truly thought winning at this stage of his career would be a priority. https://t.co/axlxhkjvGO
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) May 19, 2023

Things just got interesting.... https://t.co/SEYAqRyzKv
— CP "The Fanchise" (@CPTheFanchise) May 19, 2023

Rockets fans right now https://t.co/QCqM6ziFjB pic.twitter.com/2ViYTzG5tU
— David Zaldivar (@DavidZebra900) May 19, 2023

The Sixers got docked two 2nd-round picks for tampering with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. even though they weren’t linked to either until late June.

The Rockets-Harden stuff has been circulating since Christmas.

Surely the NBA will lay down the hammer on them, right? lol jk https://t.co/KPREB2OZsy
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) May 19, 2023

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