We’ve seen some pretty high-profile reunions in the NBA before. The one that immediately comes to mind for everyone is LeBron James rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers and bringing them a championship.
Of course, that reunion came with a fairy tale ending. But every story isn’t a fairy tale.
And a James Harden return to the Houston Rockets certainly isn’t equipped to be that — especially not at this point. The situation just doesn’t make that much sense.
Yet, here we are. It’s an actual thing. The Athletic’s Sam Amick is reporting that Houston is expected to pursue James Harden this offseason if he declines his player option for the 2023-24 season with the 76ers.
There’s more. Harden is also said to be just as interested in a reunion with the Rockets, too.
“Sources, who like all of the other sources in this story were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely, have told The Athletic Houston is widely expected to pursue the 13-year veteran point guard if, as is expected, he declines his player option for the 2023-24 season. And even more surprisingly, sources with knowledge of Harden’s outlook say he’s as serious about a possible return now as he was when he left town.”
This really looks like a thing that could happen. Between Amick’s new reporting, Adrian Wojnarowski’s previous reporting and all the rumblings across Houston media circles, it feels like this is actually going to happen.
But let’s be clear about this: It’s a bad idea for all parties around. Let’s dive into why.