After the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs, NBA rumors soon emerged that James Harden would leave the team this summer. Now, it appears Philadelphia will run it back next season with its All-Star duo.
Even during the NBA season, reports indicated that Harden was weighing a return to the Houston Rockets. After failed playoff runs with multiple teams and exits in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second consecutive year, the All-Star guard was ready for a change.
- James Harden stats (2022-’23): 21 PPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 44.1% FG, .188 WS/48
Related: Philadephia 76ers expected to move on from star player this summer
Houston intended to make Harden a massive offer, making him one of the highest-paid NBA players, making him their face of the franchise and pursuing other All-Star talent to build around him. However, it seems things have changed before free agency even begins.
According to Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice, it’s now increasingly likely that Harden re-signs with the 76ers over heading back to Houston. More importantly, it could be on a team-friendly contract.
“Harden returning to the Sixers on a team-friendly deal remains the focus of Philadelphia’s offseason, and it looks increasingly likely that they might be able to make that happen.”
Kyle Neubeck on James Harden likely re-signing with the Philadelphia 76ers
Harden signed a team-friendly deal with Philadelphia last summer. He agreed to a two-year contract, including a $35.6 million player option for the 2023-’24 season. The move was intended to help the 76ers strengthen their roster. A year later, that appears to be the plan once again.
Related: James Harden giving ‘renewed consideration’ to this NBA team
NBA insider Marc Stein echoed that report, writing that there is a lot of talk around the league about Harden returning to Philadelphia.
“There have been some rumbles this week that, despite the undeniably strong lure that a return to Houston holds for Harden, he is said to be giving renewed consideration to staying put.”
Marc Stein on the possibility of James Harden returning to the Philadelphia 76ers
Harden re-signing with Philadelphia would also end NBA trade rumors involving Joel Embiid. Multiple NBA teams, including the New York Knicks, were monitoring the 76ers’ situation with the hope of Harden leaving resulting in Embiid requesting a trade. With that off the table, Philadelphia will run it back next season with a new coach and additions to the roster, assuming Harden signs a team-friendly contract.
