Rockets Target Could Shake Up 76ers’ Situation With James Harden

The Philadelphia 76ers typically wouldn’t have eyes on a team in the Western Conference during the offseason, but the Houston Rockets will be on their radar until the James Harden saga is settled.

For months, Philadelphia’s ten-time All-Star guard has been linked to the Rockets as he was rumored to be considering returning to the organization he spent nine seasons playing with. With free agency just days away, that scenario is still very much a possibility.

However, what once seemed like a Harden-or-bust situation out in Houston has now become, “if we get him great — if not — there are other options.”

Previous reports have hinted that Houston has its eyes on impending free agent Kyrie Irving, who just spent half a season with the Dallas Mavericks, if Harden indeed isn’t heading back to his second home. And most recently, the Rockets have been linked to the soon-to-be free agent guard Fred VanVleet, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.

“More and more as the official start of free agency draws near on Friday at 6 PM ET, league sources say they see Toronto’s Fred VanVleet and Memphis’ Dillon Brooks at the top of a Rockets wish list widely thought to be headlined by former Rockets All-Star James Harden.”

VanVleet might’ve considered signing an extension with the Toronto Raptors at a point last season, but those talks went cold and were pushed off to the side until the offseason. After missing the playoffs, the Raptors made a significant change by firing their head coach, Nick Nurse.

With Nurse in Philly, many pointed at the Sixers as a potential landing spot for VanVleet, as the veteran guard had a great relationship with the Sixers’ newest head coach. The rumblings grew louder after VanVleet declined his player option for next season, signaling a trip to the free agency market in July.

But the 76ers aren’t expected to pursue VanVleet in free agency. Instead, they are sticking to the original plan, which is to bring Harden back. What once seemed like an unlikely scenario for Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is becoming more of a likely reality as each day passes.

Several insiders discussed the state of Harden’s offseason on Monday. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Rockets “remain a serious possibility” but noted that the move doesn’t make much sense for a veteran player that desires a shot at the title.

Meanwhile, Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes and the independent Stein predicted cautiously, assuming that Harden could continue his working relationship with Joel Embiid and the 76ers next season under new head coach Nick Nurse.

Anything can happen, as Harden has proven to be quite unpredictable over the years. But at this point, the Rockets seem to be preparing for a reality where the once King of Houston delays his return and runs it back with the 76ers.