The Rockets are positioned to have significant salary cap space in the 2023 offseason. One of the biggest potential free agents is James Harden, who has significant ties to Houston after playing eight-plus seasons with the franchise at a consistent All-Star level.
Could a reunion between the Rockets and a now 33-year-old Harden be in play as soon as next offseason? ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports people around the NBA believe it’s possible.
In Tuesday’s “Howdy Partners” podcast, MacMahon said:
They’ve got like, $60 million, potentially, in cap space this summer. This is not Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City or San Antonio. This is Houston, a potentially desirable market for free agents.
It will be fascinating to see how free agency plays out. You know how the league works. There’s already been a lot of gossip and dot connecting, ‘Hey, if things don’t work out in Philly, keep an eye out on James Harden back to Houston.’
I think ‘keep an eye out on that’ is certainly fair. First, let’s see how things work out in Philadelphia, where they’re starting to play really good basketball. Also, does that make sense from a Rockets perspective?
Harden is averaging 21.9 points (43.4% FG, 36.1% on 3-pointers), 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 37.9 minutes per game this season. Even at a somewhat advanced NBA age, he would appear to be a clear upgrade over Kevin Porter Jr. at point guard for the Rockets.
The 76ers are 17-12 and in the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference. They’ve won five straight games since losing in Houston earlier this month. However, with a veteran-laden roster, whether their season is deemed a success or failure will be based on the playoffs.
If it doesn’t work out, it sounds as if Houston is certainly a possibility for Harden, who clearly remains on good terms there. Moreover, with a young roster led by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., the prospect pipeline with the Rockets is much more robust than when Harden sought to leave in late 2020. Stay tuned!
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