Is Harden likely to leave 76ers for a former team?

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Is James Harden likely to leave 76ers this summer for a former team?

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated 2/21/23

James Harden may be coming back to his old kingdom.

Houston Rockets reporter Kelly Iko of The Athletic said this week that he believes the Philadelphia 76ers guard Harden has a 70% chance of being on the Rockets next season. Iko noted that “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

#Rockets insider @KellyIko said he thinks there’s a 70% chance Harden will be on the Rockets opening day roster next season:

“When there’s smoke there’s fire” pic.twitter.com/nfR2Y7O7Hf

— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) February 21, 2023

Harden can become a free agent this summer by declining his $35.6M player option for the 2023-24 season. He played for the Rockets from 2012-21, winning three scoring titles and an MVP award with them.

Harden was treated and catered to as Houston’s franchise player, privileges he no longer enjoys on Joel Embiid’s 76ers team. A few months ago, the rumors began that Harden was considering a return to the Rockets.

It is true that Harden will be 34 later this year and has seen his skills decline a bit since his Houston tenure.

But the Rockets’ new franchise guard, Jalen Green, still hasn’t been too convincing in terms of leadership and efficiency. Harden did also recently make a big career move indicating that he plans to explore his options in free agency.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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