Jalen Green, Paul George Not Endorsing James Harden's Reunion With Rockets
HOUSTON — Houston Rockets' Jalen Green appeared as a guest on Paul George's podcast, Podcast P with Paul George Monday afternoon.
Green discussed several different topics in the 12th installment of the podcast. And for a brief moment, Green addressed rumors about the Rockets' potential reunion with James Harden.
But before Green had a chance to share his thoughts, George expressed he was not in favor of the future Hall-of-Famer returning to Houston due to the ongoing development of Houston's young corps.
"I feel like, at this point, you are the king of Houston," George said. "You have to go through being double and triple teamed, being the target every time. If you bring on someone like James, who is a ball-dominant player, that's going to hinder your growth a little bit."
Green had a usage rating of 28.0 percent for the Rockets during the 2022-23 season. He averaged a team-high 22.1 points on 41.6 percent shooting from the field. He scored a career-best 42 points on January 23 in a five-point home victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"I think it can play out both ways," Green said. "It can help and hurt at the same time. I haven't talked to him about the rumors. But I am with you on that."
A reunion between Harden and the Rockets appears inevitable. ESPN was the first to report Harden's interest in the Rockets in December. And since Christmas Day, the rumors have yet to die down.
The latest came from the Philadelphia Inquirer Friday morning. According to Keith Pompey, there's a belief among league executives that Harden will opt out of his deal with the Philadelphia 76ers to rejoin the Rockets.
Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million option to enter free agency in July. The 10-time All-Star is aiming to land a four-year contract and a team that will give him the freedom to play his style of basketball.
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