Did Rockets’ NBA Draft Results Shift James Harden’s Plans?

The Houston Rockets spent their top pick on a rookie rather than trading for a veteran. Did that decision change James Harden's thought process?

Going into the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, many eyes were on the Houston Rockets, who had the potential to snag a top pick. With high chances of landing in the top two spots, the Rockets weren’t as fortunate as some others, as they ended up with the fourth-overall selection.

When it was revealed the Rockets weren’t going to be the winners of the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, the results could’ve swayed James Harden’s thought process, as the star guard made it clear that he wants to compete for a title in 2023-2024. 

At this point in the offseason, just two teams remain relevant when it comes to Harden; the Philadelphia 76ers and the Rockets. While the Phoenix Suns were once viewed as dark horse candidates in the Harden sweepstakes, a trade for Bradley Beal took them out of the race.

Harden has a big decision looming later in the week, as he still has yet to accept or decline his $35 million player option for next season. As he’s expected to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent, Harden could take his talents to Houston when free agency opens up.

Lately, the narrative has taken a sharp turn in favor of Philadelphia. Although Harden was rumored to be good as gone at the beginning of the offseason, the guard has been described as torn and seriously considering a return to the Sixers.

The Rockets still have a legitimate shot at landing Harden, but their chances will heavily depend on the moves they make in free agency. One might’ve expected Houston to trade their fourth-overall draft selection for a win-now type of player to attract Harden ahead of free agency. Instead, they made a pick. 

Did the selection of Overtime Elite guard Amen Thompson shift Houston’s chances of luring in Harden via free agency? According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, that’s not quite the case.

Painting a picture that’s slightly different than what’s been reported last week, Amick made it clear that not only did Houston’s decision to select Thompson have no effect on Harden’s thought process, but a source close to the ten-time All-Star guard “reconfirmed” that Harden to Houston “remains a serious possibility.”

Houston has cap space to sign some of the most prominent names on the market this offseason, which could intrigue Harden. On the flip side, the Sixers still have an MVP in Joel Embiid, and an emerging young star in Tyrese Maxey, along with a new head coach in Nick Nurse.

A lot has changed over the last month regarding Harden’s future. However, the bottom line remains the same at this time; Nobody truly knows whether Harden will stick around for a season three in Philly or make his way back home to Houston, where he spent nearly a decade of his playing career.