Rockets Free Agency: James Harden to Opt Out Of 76ers Deal, Seeking Long-Term Contract

In order for the Houston Rockets to bring James Harden back, they will have to give the future Hall-of-Famer a four-year deal.

HOUSTON — James Harden could be on the move again for the third time since departing from the Houston Rockets in January 2021.

Bleacher Report was the first to report that Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million player option for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the future Hall-of-Famer is seeking what could be the final major payday of his career. 

Harden will be 34 years old at the start of the 2023-24 season and is aiming to land a four-year contract.  

Harden's play has declined since leaving Houston in favor of the Brooklyn Nets. But the 10-time All-Star is still one of the best facilitators in the league. Harden led the NBA in assists after averaging 10.7 dimes and scoring 21.0 points across 58 games.

The 76ers went 54-28 during the regular season but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games during the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

Harden expressed his desire to win his first championship title following the 76ers' post-season elimination on Sunday. But he has also voiced his admiration for the Rockets' young corps and the City of Houston — which he describes as home.

Bleacher Report added Harden would only entertain teams that present a "competitive roster." The Rockets have won just 59 games over the last three seasons.

"I just want to have a chance to compete," Harden said. "We played against the team who’s been together for quite a few years now. They were in The Finals last year, so you kind of know what it takes to get back there... I still believe we got the chance to win. We got what it takes to win."

Harden played nine seasons for the Rockets following his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. He averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 games. Harden won his lone MVP award in 2018 after leading the Rockets to a 65-17 record.

76ers' president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, said the franchise has an interest in retaining Harden. Morey served as the Rockets' general manager from 2007 to 2020. He orchestrated the deal that landed the Rockets Harden.

"We have to plan for every scenario," Morey said. "We are interested in bringing him back."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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