Drafting Victor Wembanyama Would Not Alter Rockets' Pursuit Of James Harden
HOUSTON — With the Philadelphia 76ers out of the 2023 playoffs, rumblings about James Harden's potential reunion with the Houston Rockets are starting to grow.
Harden has an option to remain with the 76ers for $35.6 million. But should he opt out of his final year, Harden will become an unrestricted free agent who could sign with the Rockets in July.
But the 10-time NBA All-Star isn't the only high-profile player Houston will try to acquire when revamping its roster this summer. The Rockets are hoping to land the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft and the rights to Victor Wembanyama.
Adding the French phenom could alter the Rockets' free agency plans. But according to ESPN, the possibility of adding Wembanyama will not force Houston to divert from its decision to pursue Harden.
"This is an organization where he [James Harden] knows ownership, he knows the front office. Regardless of whether they win the lottery and can draft Victor Wembanyama, my sense is that would not necessarily change the Rockets’ intentions to pursue James Harden." — ESPN
The Rockets will enter the draft lottery with a 14.0 percent chance to land the top selection. They are in a three-way tie alongside the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs. The NBA Draft lottery will be held Tuesday night in Chicago.
Wembanyama would be the latest promising prospect the Rockets have added since Harden's departure in January 2021. Houston has a handful of prominent young players, headlined by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. — one of several reasons why Harden would entertain a reunion with the franchise.
Harden led the league in assists in his first full season with the 76ers. While helping Philadelphia finish the regular season 54-28, Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists across 58 games.
Harden will be eligible to sign a four-year deal worth over $200 million if he chooses to re-sign with the 76ers long term.
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