For many months, the Rockets have been rumored as a potential suitor for James Harden in the NBA’s 2023 offseason. Houston will have approximately $60 million in salary cap space, which leads the league, and Harden has a player option to enter free agency.
There’s a clear comfort level, too, since this is the market where Harden played eight-plus brilliant seasons from October 2012 to January 2021. He was an All-Star in all of those years and an MVP.
Then again, Harden already has a promising situation alongside current NBA MVP Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, where the 76ers have been an Eastern Conference contender for years. Would a 33-year-old without a title really give up that situation to join a young and rebuilding Rockets group, even if it offers the comfort of home?
With that in mind, Rockets fans wanting the superstar guard have been conflicted during Philadelphia’s 2023 playoff push. Would Harden be more likely to return to Houston if the 76ers win the title — potentially making “ring chasing” less of a priority — or might a disappointing playoff exit make him more likely to leave?
After Sunday’s Game 7 of the second-round series between Harden’s Sixers and the Boston Celtics, many fans are hoping for the latter. The 76ers were blown out, 112-88, and an offseason of speculation surrounding Harden’s future can officially begin.
“I haven’t even thought about it,” Harden said of his future, per Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire. “I just wanna have a chance to obviously compete.”
“I’m very, very disappointed,” added Harden, noting that he has an “okay relationship” with head coach Doc Rivers. “Very frustrated. It’s a lot I want to say, but it’s frustrating.”
James Harden has a decision to make this summer. He discussed a bit after the Game 7 loss to the Celtics on the road. #Sixers https://t.co/b68RfjYhr3 via @SixersWire
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) May 15, 2023
Harden, who led the NBA in assists during 2022-23, averaged 21.0 points (44.1% FG, 38.5% on 3-pointers), 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 36.8 minutes this season. By June 29, he must make a decision on his 2023-24 player option and whether to enter free agency.
Considering his strong season, and the fact that he turns 34 in August, most league analysts expect Harden to decline that option and enter free agency — even if he wants to stay in Philadelphia. Based on that success, Harden currently has enough leverage to force the 76ers, Rockets, or any other team into a multi-year contract offer, which he might not have if he delays free agency until 2024 and risks injury and/or some other age-related decline between now and then.
Thus, 2023 free agency appears inevitable for Harden. As for what that means in Houston… Stay tuned!
