‘Treated like a god’: The big pull behind romantic Harden return as crucial $35m call looms
The Beard might be heading dwelling.
James Harden is predicted to rejoin the Houston Rockets this summer time as a free agent, in line with Philadelphia Inquirer sources.
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Harden, who starred in Houston from 2012-21, profitable the 2018 MVP award and making 9 straight All-Star appearances whereas being the NBA’s scoring chief from 2018-2020, is predicted to choose out of his $35.6 million deal for 2023-24 with the 76ers.
There are a number of causes to think about the longstanding reunion rumours official, beginning with the Rockets having about $60 million in cap area this low season.
Another is the rapport Harden and Rockets proprietor Tillman Fertitta have.
The Athletic reported the billionaire advised the scorer, “You’re always welcome back here,” after he was traded to the Nets in a 2021 deadline blockbuster.
Harden’s mom additionally nonetheless lives in Houston, a metropolis the place he has a number of companies and, in line with Inquirer sources, is “treated like a god” there.
“The love and feelings are mutual,” he stated earlier than the Sixers battled the Rockets on Dec. 5 in Houston.
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“That’s never going to change. Like I said, I still own my home here. A lot of family still lives here.
“That feeling won’t change. What I meant by the game is obviously there’s no greater win or loss [in Houston compared to other places], but having that family environment around me is a little different.”
Harden was traded to Philly in 2022 after a disastrous, injury-marred try to construct a Big 3 in Brooklyn, and teamed up with 2023 MVP Joel Embiid to show the Sixers right into a official championship contender.
Philadelphia fell brief towards the Celtics within the Eastern Conference semi-finals, bringing about rumours of Harden’s 79-game tenure with the Sixers.
The 33-year-old is reportedly looking for a aggressive roster and basketball freedom, per Bleacher Report, and a younger Houston crew may supply each.
The 76ers aren’t going to surrender on Harden simply but and stay “interested in bringing him back,” GM Daryl Morey advised reported this week.
“Scenario A would be to bring James back,” he stated.
“Scenario B, if he’s not back, will be we’ll have to get creative. And we feel good about the tools available to us if that happens.”
The Sixers’ scenario is unsettled in the meanwhile after the firing of coach Doc Rivers this week.
This story initially appeared on the New York Post and has been reposted with permission
