Sixers to keep James Harden can opt out of his contract after the season, and he can choose to do so and return to the team where he became a superstar.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Harden would consider signing with the Rockets in the offseason if he doesn’t sign a long term with Philadelphia. Under his current contract, the guard earns $33 million this season, and he has a player option of $35 million next season.
The Rockets traded Harden to the Nets during the 2020-21 season, after Harden requested a trade due to his dissatisfaction with the direction of the organization. Since then, Houston has added the top three draft picks in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith, and the Rockets have a young roster that also includes Kevin Porter Jr., Kenyon Martin Jr. and Alperen Şengün.
Additionally, the Rockets are currently 9-23 and on track for another high pick while owning three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Harden was one of the best players in the NBA with the Rockets, winning the 2017-18 MVP award. He led Houston to eight straight playoff appearances, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in points per game, assists and three-pointers.
Even though Harden wanted to leave Houston, things didn’t go well elsewhere. Harden’s tenure with the Nets was a miss and led to a trade to the Sixers, who are currently the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference at 19-12. This Sixers season could be the deciding factor in Harden’s decision.