James Harden applied for a trade to the Houston Rockets for the 2020-21 season, but he may reportedly return to free agency this coming offseason.
Harden has a $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season, and Sport's Kelly Iko discussed his future in an interview on local Houston television.
"I give Harden a 7 out of 10," Iko said of Harden's chances of returning. "I think there are no winds and no waves, and James loves the city. He likes the young players on the Rockets roster. He has a connection to the city, he has a business, his home is here, and even crazier things happen. Don't call me crazy, but you might see something different. ”
The guard is currently part of the Philadelphia 76ers and played for the Rockets in 2012-13 until the Rockets traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in 2020-21.
The idea of a possible return isn't new, and as ESPN's Adrian Wonarosky reported on Christmas Day, Harden is "seriously considering" such a move.
Wona Rosky called it "an extraordinary possibility because he requested a trade less than two years ago and got a deal," but he also noted that "Harden maintains a certain attraction to Houston, attracted to the community, the lifestyle and the family." ”
Harden is a future Hall of Famer, and his resume includes MVP for the 2017-18 season, three-time scoring champion, seven-time All-NBA selection, 10-time All-Star selection, and a selection to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
What's missing now, however, is a championship, and if he returns to the Rockets at the age of 34 in 2023-24, it's hard to see him change that. Yes, they have some young potential players like Jaylen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., but the team also has the worst record in the league, only 13-45.
Harden's presence will only lift the Rockets so much, they probably won't be competing for a championship anytime soon.
It's something that guards have to weigh when making their decision, but it's clear the Rockets still have a chance at this point.