James Harden to the Rockets? 76ers star UNSURE about future
NBA free agency: James Harden faces tough choice between Sixers and Rockets
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Sixers guard James Harden (Via Twitter)
James Harden has a big decision to make this summer. The Philadelphia 76ers guard has a player option for next season, which he is likely to decline in order to become a free agent. However, he is not sure where he wants to play next. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Harden is “torn” between staying with the Sixers or returning to his former team, the Houston Rockets.
Harden spent eight seasons with the Rockets, where he became one of the best scorers and playmakers in NBA history. He won three scoring titles, an MVP award and led the Rockets to eight straight playoff appearances. However, he never reached the NBA Finals with Houston and requested a trade last season.
Harden had a solid season with the Sixers, averaging 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. He helped them finish with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and form a dynamic duo with Joel Embiid. However, he faltered in the postseason, especially in the second round against the Miami Heat.
Back in 2022, Harden said that he is willing to take less money to help the Sixers improve their roster and compete for a title. He told Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes that he had conversations with team president Daryl Morey and told him to “sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over.”
Rockets hope to lure James Harden back
However, Harden’s decision is not set in stone yet. He could still change his mind and opt for a reunion with the Rockets, who are eager to bring him back. The Rockets are looking for a proven point guard who can lead their young core and help them rebuild.
If Harden doesn’t return to Houston, the Rockets have a backup plan in mind. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, they are interested in signing Fred VanVleet, who also has a player option for next season with the Toronto Raptors. VanVleet is an All-Star guard who averaged 19.3 points and 7.2 assists per game last season. He also has championship experience, having won a title with the Raptors in 2019.
VanVleet could be a good fit for the Rockets, who need a reliable playmaker and scorer at the point guard position. He could also mentor their young players, such as Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Usman Garuba. VanVleet has been linked to Houston as a secondary option if Harden doesn’t come back.
Harden’s free agency will be one of the most intriguing stories of this offseason. He has two attractive options to choose from: stay with the Sixers and contend for a ring, or go back to the Rockets and revive his legacy. Whatever he decides, it will have a huge impact on both teams and the NBA landscape.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)