As an old strong team in the West, because of Harden's forced departure, the Rockets were forced to enter the swing stage, and finally after 3 seasons of rotten operations, the Rockets, which have accumulated enough talented new stars and future chips, plan to return to the ranks of competitors in the new season, which means that the Rockets will inevitably complete a large personnel adjustment and the introduction of immediate combat power this summer, and welcoming back the old Harden has also become an important part of the Rockets' immediate combat effectiveness.
Woj revealed on the show that the Rockets are very likely to get Harden in free agency because they have more than $60 million in salary space and hope to make significant progress next season, and Harden's family is also in Houston, where he is comfortable and knows the team's owner and management.
During this period, Woj even said that whether the Rockets eventually get the title and whether they can successfully choose Venbanyama will not necessarily change the Rockets' plans to pursue Harden.
At the same time, Woj revealed Harden's attitude, pointing out that the news that Harden may return to the Rockets in the past may become a bargaining chip for Harden to get a long-term big contract from Philadelphia, but it is by no means a negotiating lever, and Harden really wants to go back.
As a result, the Rockets only received one No. 4 pick in the lottery draw, confirming that they did not compete for the Venbanyama race, and Michael Scotto also revealed the Rockets' plans in the latest article.
Michael Scotto revealed that the Rockets still plan to aggressively push to sign back Harden this summer, which has led executives from other teams in the league to believe that the No. 4 pick in the Rockets' hands will be traded.
At the same time, the Rockets only got the No. 4 pick, making it difficult for them to pick Ventanyama, Henderson and Miller, so the value of this lottery pick has decreased, which is the key to Hugh's possible trade.
Chris Haynes of the Bleacher revealed Harden's attitude and requirements, pointing out that Harden will only consider those teams that can provide a competitive roster and those that can make him his own.
At the same time, it was revealed that Harden intends to refuse to exercise the $35.6 million player option next season and become an unrestricted free agent in order to obtain a long-term contract.
Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million contract with the 76ers last offseason and has player options and trade veto rights this summer.
In response to this report, Rockets reporter Salman Ali followed up with an explanation, pointing out that Harden's wishes do not seem to be fulfilled at the same time.
If Harden wants a competitive lineup, the answer is obviously the Philadelphia 76ers, and if he wants to play his own style of basketball, the answer is the Rockets.
If you want to do both, unless the new 76ers coach chooses D'Antoni.
The 76ers fired coach Rivers shortly after the season, and according to Michael Scotto, Nass will be the preferred successor because of his collaboration with 76ers management.
But in the past, it was widely believed that if Rivers went and Harden stayed, Mike D'Antoni would be a candidate for the 76ers head coach.