The 76ers have fired head coach Rivers, but they still need to meet two requirements to convince Harden to stay.
First, send a multi-year maximum salary contract. Second, let Harden enjoy the same team status as Embiid.
Can a 76er boss agree to such a request? TheSixersense believes that renewing Harden with a top salary will do more harm than good, and he is already going downhill and cannot help Philadelphia win a championship. The American media also used Harris as an example. The 76ers paid a lot of chips to get Harris through the trade, so they didn't want to lose him for nothing, so they sent a big contract extension, and now they regret it.
If leaving the 76ers, Harden's first home would be the Rockets. There are no state taxes in Texas and state taxes in Pennsylvania, where Philadelphia is located. Houston makes Harden feel at home, his mother lives here, and he has a lot of property and loyal fans there.
"Philadelphia Inquirer" senior reporter Keith Pompeo broke the news last night that Harden is likely to refuse to renew his contract with the 76ers and is expected to return to Houston as a free agent. Congratulations to Keith Pompeo for earning a lot of traffic, and his revelation caused heated discussions.
The heat can't stop! Houston reporter Kelly Eco hurried to follow, saying that Harden really wanted to come back, and he repeatedly showed favor to Rockets Prince Green, who averaged 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season. According to the veteran Houston reporter, Harden is very fond of the Rockets' gang of youngsters, especially Jaylen Green. Harden believes that Green is talented, has improved obviously, and talent is his limit. Harden also trained with the Rockets youth during the offseason, mentoring them.
Hugh Famer Fagan and team reporter Ben Dubose both said the Rockets would welcome Harden back, but they also said it would be risky to sign the veteran with a four-year top salary.
Some Rockets fans have expressed hope that Harden and Capela will come back together.
Capela has a good relationship with Rockets assistant Lucas, and he seems to want to go back to playing with the Rockets. Capela has repeatedly overwhelmed Houston and said Harden is his big brother.
Capela is not a free agent and has a contract with the Hawks. Capela is not a non-sale item for the Eagles, and if there is a satisfactory offer, they will be willing to release someone. The Hawks are interested in the Rockets' two rising stars, Alperon Sengun and Tarry Eason.
Sengon, known as Jokic Jr., has conquered many Rockets fans, and head coach Uduka is also bullish on him, saying in an interview that he will reuse the youngster next season.
However, the NBA Analysis Network said that if Harden returns to the Rockets, Jokich Sengong Jr. may fall prey. Harden is a big ball holder, he needs to partner with a blue-collar center, and Sengong needs the ball to play and defensively, and the two are obviously not compatible. The Rockets may trade Sengun for a defensive center, like Claxton of the Nets.
Claxton, born in '99, averaged 10.5 points, 8 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.8 blocks in the playoffs this season while shooting 72 percent from the field, and he has a one-year contract left to go.
Harden has said he saw Capela's shadow in Claxton. Claxton also made several overtures to Harden, saying: "Harden has believed in me since day one, and our relationship goes beyond basketball. He's always been my big brother and it's great to see him playing well with the 76ers. Harden makes everyone better. He hasn't missed the playoffs since he entered the league, which is remarkable because he's not always on a team with a lot of talent. Harden leads the league in assists and still influences the game the way he does.