All-star shooting guard James Harden is reportedly considering a shocking return to the Houston Rockets.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN broke the news Sunday, citing several sources.
Wojnarowski wrote that Harden would seek to return to Houston if he refuses a new deal with his current team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Harden and his inner circle have been openly weighing [a return to] Houston in recent months, sources said, a remarkable possibility given that he requested and received a trade out of the franchise less than two years ago,” Wojnarowski wrote.
The Rockets acquiesced to Harden’s trade demands in January 2021 when they dealt him to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team trade. When the Nets’ core of Harden, guard Kyrie Irving and forward Kevin Durant didn’t lead to any championships, the Nets dealt Harden to the 76ers.
That deal sent Harden and veteran forward Paul Millsap to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two-first round selections.
Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million contract with the Sixers shortly after the trade. That contract allows him to become a free agent this summer if he wishes. Wojnarowski described Harden’s situation with the 76ers as “fluid.”
On the season, Harden is averaging 21.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. The 76ers are playing the New York Knicks Sunday, with Harden seen at left above during that game. After that, they’re next in action on Dec. 27th when they face the Washington Wizards in the nation’s capital.
[ESPN; photo from Vincent Carchietta/USA Today Sports]
