NBA Insider: James Harden’s Future With 76ers ‘Very Unclear’

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski re-fuels the James Harden, Houston Rockets speculation ahead of the 76ers' Game 3 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

As the Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff run continues on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets, the future of James Harden remains a valid question.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski sprinkled in some speculation regarding Harden’s future this week. On an episode of ‘The Woj Pod,’ the NBA Insider dove into the state of the Sixers and what the future might hold for their ten-time All-Star guard, James Harden.

By now, the rumors regarding a potential return to the Houston Rockets for Harden are louder than ever. What started as a Christmas morning Woj bomb has turned into several months of speculation.

Harden denied thinking about a potential return to Houston following the Sixers’ Christmas Day win over the New York Knicks. Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey mentioned that he was unsure where the rumors came from, noting that he believes the rumors simply don’t make sense.

Everything has gone quiet on the Harden-Rockets front as of late, but Wojnarowski fired up the rumor mill once again this week as the Sixers enter their Game 3 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

"James Harden's future is very unclear in Philadelphia," said Adrian Wojnarowski on his podcast. "Houston is very much in play for him. And I think a lot may depend on [whether] they make a run and win and it's easy to pay him long-term big money, or he just wants to be in Houston. Win or lose he goes, or it's dependent on the team's success."

Last season, Harden entered the 2022 offseason with a player option attached to his contract. After mentioning that he would pick up the option, Harden declined it and returned to the Sixers on a two-year deal.

However, the second season is once again a player option. This season, Harden is playing for a $33 million salary. He could make over $35 million next year if he accepts the option, but the belief around the league is that Harden will decline and weigh out his options over the summer.

With championship aspirations on his mind, Harden’s future could depend on how far the Sixers go this postseason. So far, they are on the right path, as they are up 2-0 over the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.