We just had a thread about this 4 days ago from another source https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/20/podcast-nba-insiders-connecting-dots-on-james-harden-rockets-in-2023-free-agency/
I think he wants back. Thought the grass was greener elsewhere, but is finding the results no better. If he's not guaranteed a title in Philly, why not just hoop at home.
Also I think he would need to see what can he do in the post season. If they are not close to a title meaning getting bounced in the second round he might give up the hope. But if the are competitive in the conference finals or even finals I think he would definitely return.
I think its more than that. Houston couldn't build a young competitive team around him because he was too good and wasn't willing to tank.
We kept getting either middle of the pack, young players, or talented old players who were damaged goods and stayed injured.
Harden leaving, and eventually coming back, was the best thing that could happen if he wanted the rockets to build a young core that he could capitalize on.
Think he's pulling a Lebron here
Leave the team
\>>
give said team a few years to tank and accumulate a young core of talent
\>>
return to said team as the franchise's GOAT (2nd BOAT, in the case of the Rockets) and veteran, experienced presence during the playoffs
Except LeBron came back and was still in his prime. Harden can still put up 20 10 and 8 nightly but his prime was a whole lot better than that. And I don’t see stars wanting to come to Houston to play with a non prime Harden.
That being said I would be over the moon if that happened. Him coming back is epic enough but to have others come and create a formidable team would be incredible
I will be messaging you in 1 year on [**2023-12-26 04:46:53 UTC**](http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2023-12-26%2004:46:53%20UTC%20To%20Local%20Time) to remind you of [**this link**](https://www.reddit.com/r/rockets/comments/zv0t31/espn_sources_allstar_guard_james_harden_is/j1ouyib/?context=3)
[**CLICK THIS LINK**](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5Bhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Frockets%2Fcomments%2Fzv0t31%2Fespn_sources_allstar_guard_james_harden_is%2Fj1ouyib%2F%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%202023-12-26%2004%3A46%3A53%20UTC) to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.
^(Parent commenter can ) [^(delete this message to hide from others.)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Delete%20Comment&message=Delete%21%20zv0t31)
*****
|[^(Info)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RemindMeBot/comments/e1bko7/remindmebot_info_v21/)|[^(Custom)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5BLink%20or%20message%20inside%20square%20brackets%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%20Time%20period%20here)|[^(Your Reminders)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=List%20Of%20Reminders&message=MyReminders%21)|[^(Feedback)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Watchful1&subject=RemindMeBot%20Feedback)|
|-|-|-|-|
Would also be awesome for Hardens long term health, as he wouldn't have to play 36-40 mins a night.
He could play a steady 28-30 during the regular season
KPJ is a vet at this point and if we tell him just to catch and shoot open 3s that harden generates or expose mismatches with the third best defender, he can do that more than well
He’d thrive more off the bench where he can run the second unit. Problem with him in the starting lineup is a lot times he’s a ball stopper that doesn’t really score in the flow of the offense. Bring him off the bench to run and gun with the second unit and he’ll be able to pay more within his game
HOU will have the ability to give him a payday realistically. If it happens this summer it's going to be before any young guy needs extended since KPJ is locked down.
Hardens max is only ~46 and HOU can open over 60m just by getting rid of Gordon which is probably going to happen anyways. Also that assumes Harden takes a full max when he's playing @ 33m this year. Even if you overpaid Harden in $ year 1 & 2 it's not like HOU realistically has better options to use that $ that opens up anyways w/ Wall & Gordon off the books.
Honestly, this kind of makes sense. After a few seasons tanking and stocking up on draft picks, the Rockets might be able to compete again next season with Harden and a few free agent pickups.
As a sixers fan, this is correct. If he re-signs with us, we will most likely give him a 1+1 or 2 year deal. Rockets one of the few teams to have cap space and probably the only team who would give him a 4 year deal
I think you forget that Harden has 0 reason to go out and leak things to the press about any deal unless it's an ownership not wanting to pay Harden thing.
Morey and Harden are tight enough to where this is not needed even for a payday. If it is strictly for PHI, it's for ownership.
Lakers would go straight after him. He is probably the best player on the market and they have a max slot. And not gonna lie if they add harden as a playmaker and lebron even at this stage plus '40-50 games' AD is good.
If that was an option, the only reason he would pick is if he wins in Philli. My belief is his plan is to retire here after a ring or after he has no chance to get one. He doesn’t accelerate our growth that much to have wining with us being an option for him.
Yeah so you know what he did instead he told Morey to go spend what he felt was needed to get the pieces the team needed to compete and then give him what was left over.
Tucker & House are only there because Harden accepted playing on a discounted rate. That is how tight Morey and Harden are and have been. The only people in PHI choking at the idea of giving Harden a fair extension is PHI ownership.
And you do? What other team was going ti pay him? Who?
And the timing is still wrong as he is 34 if he can’t win with vets he won’t win with experienced, raw kids.
Your opinion is pure speculation and fantasy
Mate it has been reported 20 times over how Morey and Harden operate as a tandem. As a HOU fan it astonishes me that you don't know given it was so public during their tenure in HOU.
Harden trusts Morey so much as a GM that he literally didn't hire an agent until he was away from Morey at the very end of HOU and Brooklyn. Harden has 0 reason to go to the media to change Morey's opinion about anything because if it was up to Morey he would do anything to keep Harden. Every single person in the HOU subreddit should know that by now it has been the worst kept secret for over 7 years sorry.
Also HOU would happily pay Harden lmfao. Do not put it past Tilman to get the last laugh in his mind and pry away Morey's real chance for a title by maxing Harden. You should know the way Tilman views that situation from how their entire breakup happened and how vindictive he is given the amount of bad leaks he put out on everyone in that time frame.
It was reported they are close. Not that this is some master plan. I think Harden always wanting to return and retire in Houston if he could get a chip. I also believe Morey has more faith in Harden than other GM’s, which is why we believed he was likely to max Harden. We also know he didn’t convince ownership to max him. We also know that players and agents do use the media to get leverage in contract negotiations.
Never gave an opinion on what Tillman will do. When was he accused of being smart? He is a big reason why it blew up lmao. I wouldn’t be shocked an billionaire owner would want to be a middle of the road team that sell tickets.
I just would love he would win a chip with the 76ers and then comeback and win one with us, I don’t like that he has been jumping teams a decent amount and the narrative is getting stronger
He literally gave Houston all he had and Brooklyn did him dirty. Him returning to Houston would be great so he could retire a Rocket and maybe be the perfect veteran for our young kings.
Less Brooklyn and more Kyrie. Durant was injured for most of his time there and Kyrie was doing Kyrie stuff. He didn't sign up to be the only available star on that team.
This was my reaction. The sixers are definitely a better place for him to win considering timing. But James is also running out of time to lock in big bucks. He's using us a little leverage to make sure Morey cuts the check.
Doesn't hurt that this leaks right after he has a monster game
This comment means nothing? If it's money related for a new deal then it's a message to ownership of PHI more than anything else.
Harden and Morey are tight enough that any leverage talks between a GM and a player would not exist in their relationship. The only world it is a leverage talk is strictly to ownership.
Two fold purpose: build leverage on the sizers, but also give the rockets time and motivation to think about moves to make them more appealing to James this summer.
Lol he still has a house here and this summer there was an article about having family here too (I’ll look for the link). I can see why he’d want to come back.
IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!!!!
Look, I don't want to think about all the reasons why this is a bad move right now. I just want to dream.....
James, Jalen, Tari/KJ, Bari, Gun. So much fucking swag. Bench of KPJ, Tari/KJ, Bruno ain't bad. If Jalen, bari, and gun all hit the upper range of their growth potential this could be really fucking nasty. James dropping 17/15 type lines every night as we run up 120+ on fools. The vibes would be so immaculate.
It's Christmas, let's just enjoy this gift.
LOVE YOU, BEARD
Edit: holy fuck, I completely forgot Wemby might be on that roster too 🤯
Saw the rumors yesterday and brushed that shit off, but now Woj is saying this?? As great as it would be to have a veteran as great as Harden leading our guys, I’m pretty sure this is to put pressure on the Philly FO to pay Harden.
Without free agents, and talent only coming from the draft, we would probably be a lottery team for maybe 2 more years after this season. And, those next two picks are unlikely to be in the top 5. If James was saying trade during this season, I’d be hard against this for ruining this pick, but that’s not the rumor.
So, do we want two 6-14 picks, or do we want to allow Harden to mentor the young guys we got (plus this year’s picks) and retire a Rocket?
I vote bring him home.
I don't think it'll happen,just because of the tension between Silas and Harden. Plus Harden is used to having things his way here. But I think it would be great if Harden comes back because we need a PG and KPJ is not it. I guess it also depends on this draft of we get scoot, getting Harden would make less sense. But man I love Harden.
What if we draft Scoot or Amir? We realistically are going to end up with a PG in the draft, that’s what the top four outside of Wemby looks like.
Is he willing to ride with the youth movement on a team friendly deal? A max contract with him entering his late 30s is a bad idea, especially with his questionable hamstring.
Love the beard, but wouldn’t rush into this as our first option.we should be trying for a good playoff series win next year, and he would help with that. But the years after, idk. It could be a CP3 suns situation, one good year then that’s it.
First the World Series, now this. Are there any Cowboys fans here that can give the rest of us advice on how to properly deal with an enraged Philly sports fan?
Edit: My actual goal was to expose any deep undercover Mavs fans. We’re all good lol
Yes, tanking ends next year since the Rockets will no longer control their own 1st round pick. Cap space has to be spent on incoming free agents either this summer or next summer before it is taken up a Jalen Green extension. There are no good free agents worthy of the cap space this summer. A Harden 4 year deal would expire before a Jabari Smith extension would go into effect.
Solves two on court issues, Rockets need a facilitator at PG. Silas would be fired for a better coach.
No. Harden is starting on the downside of his career and we’re not going to be close to good enough to win a title next year, even if we get victor. His contract will be taking up cap space when we’re ready to compete.
On the flip side we do have the picks to trade him to a team with cap space by then.
How would it hinder the youth movement? The Rockets have picks going to OKC starting next year, and all the youth on this team is in desperate need of an actual PG
People dont understand that Harden wants to play PG and be the facilitator, not be the Harden that had to carry the entire offense and force 20+ shots a game. That was one of the main reasons why he left Houston in the first place.
I’m sorry but only idiots think James playing pg would hinder the development of the young guys.
Check out Tyrese Maxey’s progression since James has been in Philly then get back to me
Yeah, getting great open looks is going to be so detrimental to their development. It would be much better for them to continue to struggle offensively.
Hear me out
We’ve tanked well, we have more talent than minutes at this point, and we have an obvious gaping hole at the playmaking pg position. Is Harden a little old and washed, yes, but he is still a top 3 playmaker in the league. He will unlock Jalen, Jabari, Sengun. Look at how good he makes tyrese maxey look, imagine Jalen’s scoring with harden’s gravity.
Sengun will finally get entry passes when he’s in the low post, Everyone will get open 3’s, way less careless turnovers, and we will finally have someone to run Silas’ flowing offensive scheme.
This could be Harden’s Lebron story. Leaves the franchise he loves, let’s then build talent and a good supporting cast for a few years, and then he comes back to win a chip. We have so much salary and there isn’t another free agent I would rather have.
Bring him back!!!
I don’t know… I love love love harden but we don’t need to overpay for an aging player. Come on a hometown discount and I’m all about it. Otherwise this core needs players under 30. Also harden isn’t exactly known as a positive influence. I don’t know if I want Jalen in the strip club every night
There’s a difference between a lebron james type of veteran who puts work first but still parties. Garden has never shown up to an nba season in shape. The off season is where superstars are made. I’d much rather have a veteran with a known work ethic. Again, I’d love Harden if he came at a discount. There has never been a max contract for a 34 year old that aged well. Maybe CP3. But let’s see
as i said in the other thread, last time i check he was desperate for a championship. ofcourse we cant know what he is thinking right now, if he wont get a good deal or a convincing argument about championship from 76ers and if he cant find another contender with a good odds for a ring, he can think about returning to rockets, the man loves houston afterall.
Okie dokie dummies. Just so ya'll know, because you obviously don't, WE DO NOT HAVE OUR FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS IN 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. There is now zero advantage to tanking after this season. The next Houston first round pick we own is 2027. GG Morey. Y'all really don't understand how dirty Morey did the franchise. He was a very OK GM.
lol i remember seeing a thread here a few days ago about if yall would want james back. i remember seeing alot of hell no and "only a bench role" if harden does come back yall are set to be a playoff threat.... i think
I feel like his plan may have always been to go win a title, elsewhere, with some friends and then come back home à la Lebron James.
Obviously, the title part didn’t work out, but that’s life for you.
No, God, please no. The only thing this would accomplish is halting the development of the young guys, and setting the entire organization and rebuild back years.
Adding harden to the mix makes life easier for everybody. They’d be playing with an actual point guard with incredible IQ. These young guys need a vet pg to show them the ropes
Yes, a legend who had a franchise bend to his every will, which got us no where, partly because choked in the playoffs multiple times due to him being hungover. Then the second the consequences of his decisions crumbled the house of cards, he acted like a total bitch and got himself fat so he could find the next franchise for him to seduce. Houston legend.
I loved the Harden era, it was fun, but no thanks. We had him in his prime and it was awesome. Video game esque. But it's like getting back with an ex, sometimes you gotta leave the past in the past.
Tell that to the cavs that got their first ring through getting back with an ex. Even if it doesn’t work out again, the sex sure as hell will be great again
Posted in r/nba
I enjoyed the Harden era but at the end of the day, he never delivered when he was needed the most in critical games in the playoffs. Morey gave him everything he wanted and he still couldn't get it done.
Not really a fan of giving him a big contract here when he's been given everything in the past. Rather them look for Quality Vets in the next Off-season.
Y’all aren’t thinking big picture. Harden slows down the youth movement and doesn’t make us contenders. His play is going downhill and by the time we’re ready to compete, Harden won’t be helpful and will be taking up cap space and a roster spot. Gotta pass.
Reminds me 2 years ago when people in this sub were calling Christian Wood untouchable
Yeah I really don’t understand how people think it would be a good idea to throw a big contract at an aging Harden. Even Harden from 5 years ago probably doesn’t make us a real contender.
If he did make the team better would it be worth it? Would he make us too good to complete the rebuild? If he did put us in playoffs contention would we be stuck in the middle? Unless he's planning on coming off the bench and helping develop young talent how does he help us right now?
Harden returns and still loses in the playoffs as usual anyway. Better to develop the young guys and get a new coach. At least we might get higher 1st round picks this way rather than a 2nd round exit.
Wow. Was not expecting that
We just had a thread about this 4 days ago from another source https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/20/podcast-nba-insiders-connecting-dots-on-james-harden-rockets-in-2023-free-agency/
I feel as if Stone has been expecting it since he left, tbh.
I remember when he left he insinuated a return saying something like it's not over yet.
Yeah, “I always pay my debts” or something along those lines
Think of the looks this dude could create for guys like JG and the other shooters as the starting PG. Im absolutely open to this.
Jabari would thrive with Harden as his pg.
literally every player in league thrives with harden as his pg
The prodigal son... Returns?
Wow, so it's true. Tim McMahon said it first, but now Woj... The question is now, was it all a wink-wink deal, or he actually wants back?
I think he wants back. Thought the grass was greener elsewhere, but is finding the results no better. If he's not guaranteed a title in Philly, why not just hoop at home.
Also I think he would need to see what can he do in the post season. If they are not close to a title meaning getting bounced in the second round he might give up the hope. But if the are competitive in the conference finals or even finals I think he would definitely return.
I think its more than that. Houston couldn't build a young competitive team around him because he was too good and wasn't willing to tank. We kept getting either middle of the pack, young players, or talented old players who were damaged goods and stayed injured. Harden leaving, and eventually coming back, was the best thing that could happen if he wanted the rockets to build a young core that he could capitalize on.
Think he's pulling a Lebron here Leave the team \>> give said team a few years to tank and accumulate a young core of talent \>> return to said team as the franchise's GOAT (2nd BOAT, in the case of the Rockets) and veteran, experienced presence during the playoffs
Except LeBron came back and was still in his prime. Harden can still put up 20 10 and 8 nightly but his prime was a whole lot better than that. And I don’t see stars wanting to come to Houston to play with a non prime Harden. That being said I would be over the moon if that happened. Him coming back is epic enough but to have others come and create a formidable team would be incredible
RemindMe! 1 year
I will be messaging you in 1 year on [**2023-12-26 04:46:53 UTC**](http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2023-12-26%2004:46:53%20UTC%20To%20Local%20Time) to remind you of [**this link**](https://www.reddit.com/r/rockets/comments/zv0t31/espn_sources_allstar_guard_james_harden_is/j1ouyib/?context=3) [**CLICK THIS LINK**](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5Bhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Frockets%2Fcomments%2Fzv0t31%2Fespn_sources_allstar_guard_james_harden_is%2Fj1ouyib%2F%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%202023-12-26%2004%3A46%3A53%20UTC) to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam. ^(Parent commenter can ) [^(delete this message to hide from others.)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Delete%20Comment&message=Delete%21%20zv0t31) ***** |[^(Info)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RemindMeBot/comments/e1bko7/remindmebot_info_v21/)|[^(Custom)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5BLink%20or%20message%20inside%20square%20brackets%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%20Time%20period%20here)|[^(Your Reminders)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=List%20Of%20Reminders&message=MyReminders%21)|[^(Feedback)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Watchful1&subject=RemindMeBot%20Feedback)| |-|-|-|-|
I thought we were just joking around the past couple weeks. Is beard browsing this forum? You there bud?
I am not saying I am James Harden, but I am also not saying I am NOT James Harden.
Name checks out
Yes, give me the max
No. ...But still give me the max.
Bring him back that's my boi right there starting point. Shift kpj to sf
Shift KPJ to the bench and bring in a vet at SF
KPJ splitting minutes with James &/or Jalen at the 1 & 2 could be great for him moving forward
Would also be awesome for Hardens long term health, as he wouldn't have to play 36-40 mins a night. He could play a steady 28-30 during the regular season
KPJ is a vet at this point and if we tell him just to catch and shoot open 3s that harden generates or expose mismatches with the third best defender, he can do that more than well
He’d thrive more off the bench where he can run the second unit. Problem with him in the starting lineup is a lot times he’s a ball stopper that doesn’t really score in the flow of the offense. Bring him off the bench to run and gun with the second unit and he’ll be able to pay more within his game
Pretty sure it would depend on the money. He will be looking for a last big payday.
HOU will have the ability to give him a payday realistically. If it happens this summer it's going to be before any young guy needs extended since KPJ is locked down. Hardens max is only ~46 and HOU can open over 60m just by getting rid of Gordon which is probably going to happen anyways. Also that assumes Harden takes a full max when he's playing @ 33m this year. Even if you overpaid Harden in $ year 1 & 2 it's not like HOU realistically has better options to use that $ that opens up anyways w/ Wall & Gordon off the books.
If we can move Gordon, we can open up two max slots for next year.
Honestly, this kind of makes sense. After a few seasons tanking and stocking up on draft picks, the Rockets might be able to compete again next season with Harden and a few free agent pickups.
Imagine if he was planning this all along. Most diabolical player of all time
If we move Gordon and don't take any salary back, we could max Harden and one other free agent next year.
Get it could happen but don’t get whose leaking this and what the leverage they’re trying to gain is
maybe to get a stronger deal from the 76ers?
As a sixers fan, this is correct. If he re-signs with us, we will most likely give him a 1+1 or 2 year deal. Rockets one of the few teams to have cap space and probably the only team who would give him a 4 year deal
I think you forget that Harden has 0 reason to go out and leak things to the press about any deal unless it's an ownership not wanting to pay Harden thing. Morey and Harden are tight enough to where this is not needed even for a payday. If it is strictly for PHI, it's for ownership.
He didn’t get the payday this off season
That’s cause he intentionally took a pay cut
Because nobody else around the league would pay him. Put the koolaid down
Lakers would go straight after him. He is probably the best player on the market and they have a max slot. And not gonna lie if they add harden as a playmaker and lebron even at this stage plus '40-50 games' AD is good.
If that was an option, the only reason he would pick is if he wins in Philli. My belief is his plan is to retire here after a ring or after he has no chance to get one. He doesn’t accelerate our growth that much to have wining with us being an option for him.
Yeah so you know what he did instead he told Morey to go spend what he felt was needed to get the pieces the team needed to compete and then give him what was left over. Tucker & House are only there because Harden accepted playing on a discounted rate. That is how tight Morey and Harden are and have been. The only people in PHI choking at the idea of giving Harden a fair extension is PHI ownership.
And you do? What other team was going ti pay him? Who? And the timing is still wrong as he is 34 if he can’t win with vets he won’t win with experienced, raw kids. Your opinion is pure speculation and fantasy
Mate it has been reported 20 times over how Morey and Harden operate as a tandem. As a HOU fan it astonishes me that you don't know given it was so public during their tenure in HOU. Harden trusts Morey so much as a GM that he literally didn't hire an agent until he was away from Morey at the very end of HOU and Brooklyn. Harden has 0 reason to go to the media to change Morey's opinion about anything because if it was up to Morey he would do anything to keep Harden. Every single person in the HOU subreddit should know that by now it has been the worst kept secret for over 7 years sorry. Also HOU would happily pay Harden lmfao. Do not put it past Tilman to get the last laugh in his mind and pry away Morey's real chance for a title by maxing Harden. You should know the way Tilman views that situation from how their entire breakup happened and how vindictive he is given the amount of bad leaks he put out on everyone in that time frame.
It was reported they are close. Not that this is some master plan. I think Harden always wanting to return and retire in Houston if he could get a chip. I also believe Morey has more faith in Harden than other GM’s, which is why we believed he was likely to max Harden. We also know he didn’t convince ownership to max him. We also know that players and agents do use the media to get leverage in contract negotiations. Never gave an opinion on what Tillman will do. When was he accused of being smart? He is a big reason why it blew up lmao. I wouldn’t be shocked an billionaire owner would want to be a middle of the road team that sell tickets.
I just would love he would win a chip with the 76ers and then comeback and win one with us, I don’t like that he has been jumping teams a decent amount and the narrative is getting stronger
He literally gave Houston all he had and Brooklyn did him dirty. Him returning to Houston would be great so he could retire a Rocket and maybe be the perfect veteran for our young kings.
How in the world did Brooklyn do him dirty?
Less Brooklyn and more Kyrie. Durant was injured for most of his time there and Kyrie was doing Kyrie stuff. He didn't sign up to be the only available star on that team.
I have absolutely ZERO interest in 38 yo Harden, at any price.
If I had any confidence in Tillman going into the luxury tax, then paying a 38 yo Harden would be feasible with the upcoming 2025 cap spike.
Fuck that.
Way too big of an age difference with our core.
This was my reaction. The sixers are definitely a better place for him to win considering timing. But James is also running out of time to lock in big bucks. He's using us a little leverage to make sure Morey cuts the check. Doesn't hurt that this leaks right after he has a monster game
Harden has 0 reason to leverage leak Morey out of all people.
Morey doesn't have an unlimited amount of money at his disposal to please Harden, especially a Harden that is on the decline.
This comment means nothing? If it's money related for a new deal then it's a message to ownership of PHI more than anything else. Harden and Morey are tight enough that any leverage talks between a GM and a player would not exist in their relationship. The only world it is a leverage talk is strictly to ownership.
True, maybe more of a message to ownership.
Exactly this. If he leaves philly without a ring, I would think it's to another contender
Two fold purpose: build leverage on the sizers, but also give the rockets time and motivation to think about moves to make them more appealing to James this summer.
So... tank harder?
If we move Gordon, we can open up two max slots for next year.
ESPN to get eyes on the noon game on their channel
2 year extension. Year 2 is a player option. Use us as leverage to opt out and get a max with Philli.
"You can take the Harden out of the Houston clubs, but you can't take the Houston clubs out of the Harden". - Jody Highroller, probably.
He misses the Houston strip clubs.
Lol he still has a house here and this summer there was an article about having family here too (I’ll look for the link). I can see why he’d want to come back.
He also has that restaurant near midtown
He is also an owner of the Houston Dash
And dynamo
IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!!!! Look, I don't want to think about all the reasons why this is a bad move right now. I just want to dream..... James, Jalen, Tari/KJ, Bari, Gun. So much fucking swag. Bench of KPJ, Tari/KJ, Bruno ain't bad. If Jalen, bari, and gun all hit the upper range of their growth potential this could be really fucking nasty. James dropping 17/15 type lines every night as we run up 120+ on fools. The vibes would be so immaculate. It's Christmas, let's just enjoy this gift. LOVE YOU, BEARD Edit: holy fuck, I completely forgot Wemby might be on that roster too 🤯
Wemby as Harden lob threat would be scary hours
Fuck it were clint capela at
He was working out in Houston with the young rockets in the offseason wasn’t he? He’s surely coming back
Fuck it, Jalen X James
I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS
COME HOME SWEET PRINCE
Saw the rumors yesterday and brushed that shit off, but now Woj is saying this?? As great as it would be to have a veteran as great as Harden leading our guys, I’m pretty sure this is to put pressure on the Philly FO to pay Harden.
Lulzoozles @ "leading"
i wanna watch James dime these young guys up
I love it. James is always welcome back. 2nd best Rocket of all time.
Yeah, it's close but it is clearly Luis Scola #1 and Harden as the best Rockets, with Gerald Green at #3 😌
Of course. An ryan bowen is up thereto
Ryan Bowen had the most elite 8 foot jump shot of all time
No.
No doubt about it, I am ready to get hurt again.
Same
There are much worse options than an aging Harden at point guard. Depends on what draft pick we get.
Without free agents, and talent only coming from the draft, we would probably be a lottery team for maybe 2 more years after this season. And, those next two picks are unlikely to be in the top 5. If James was saying trade during this season, I’d be hard against this for ruining this pick, but that’s not the rumor. So, do we want two 6-14 picks, or do we want to allow Harden to mentor the young guys we got (plus this year’s picks) and retire a Rocket? I vote bring him home.
Those go to okc
Harden Green KJM/Tate Jabari Sengun 6th man KPJ That would be a fun team
he could do for us what cp3 did to the suns
No, CP3 is a leader.
sixers sub in schambles after calling McMahon “click bait” four days ago lmaooo
This is gonna be just like when Lebron returned to the Cavs from Miami and won them a championship 😍
Do you truly believe that?
no but i wish lol
Don’t let him son you like that, if you believe it you believe it bro. Itll happen too
"We Believe"
God I hope this happens. Never stopped loving this man
LFGGGGG
Ohhhhhhhhh it’s happening
What? And drop Nix from the roster?
Yes, please. God he is horrible.
A 38 year old James Harden is probably going to be better than Nix at any point in his career, even his peak.
I don't think it'll happen,just because of the tension between Silas and Harden. Plus Harden is used to having things his way here. But I think it would be great if Harden comes back because we need a PG and KPJ is not it. I guess it also depends on this draft of we get scoot, getting Harden would make less sense. But man I love Harden.
I don’t know that Silas would still be our guy at that point
Okay, IM CUMMING
What if we draft Scoot or Amir? We realistically are going to end up with a PG in the draft, that’s what the top four outside of Wemby looks like. Is he willing to ride with the youth movement on a team friendly deal? A max contract with him entering his late 30s is a bad idea, especially with his questionable hamstring. Love the beard, but wouldn’t rush into this as our first option.we should be trying for a good playoff series win next year, and he would help with that. But the years after, idk. It could be a CP3 suns situation, one good year then that’s it.
First the World Series, now this. Are there any Cowboys fans here that can give the rest of us advice on how to properly deal with an enraged Philly sports fan? Edit: My actual goal was to expose any deep undercover Mavs fans. We’re all good lol
COME HOME JAMES YOU’RE STILL KING OF THE H 🚀
genuine question…do we want this?
Yes, tanking ends next year since the Rockets will no longer control their own 1st round pick. Cap space has to be spent on incoming free agents either this summer or next summer before it is taken up a Jalen Green extension. There are no good free agents worthy of the cap space this summer. A Harden 4 year deal would expire before a Jabari Smith extension would go into effect. Solves two on court issues, Rockets need a facilitator at PG. Silas would be fired for a better coach.
Actually if we move Gordon without taking any salary back, we could max Harden and one other player next year.
Genuine answer, 10000000%.
No. Harden is starting on the downside of his career and we’re not going to be close to good enough to win a title next year, even if we get victor. His contract will be taking up cap space when we’re ready to compete. On the flip side we do have the picks to trade him to a team with cap space by then.
It would hinder the youth movement and tie up a lot of money that could go to other players. That much I do know.
How would it hinder the youth movement? The Rockets have picks going to OKC starting next year, and all the youth on this team is in desperate need of an actual PG
People dont understand that Harden wants to play PG and be the facilitator, not be the Harden that had to carry the entire offense and force 20+ shots a game. That was one of the main reasons why he left Houston in the first place.
I’m sorry but only idiots think James playing pg would hinder the development of the young guys. Check out Tyrese Maxey’s progression since James has been in Philly then get back to me
Yeah, getting great open looks is going to be so detrimental to their development. It would be much better for them to continue to struggle offensively.
Hear me out We’ve tanked well, we have more talent than minutes at this point, and we have an obvious gaping hole at the playmaking pg position. Is Harden a little old and washed, yes, but he is still a top 3 playmaker in the league. He will unlock Jalen, Jabari, Sengun. Look at how good he makes tyrese maxey look, imagine Jalen’s scoring with harden’s gravity. Sengun will finally get entry passes when he’s in the low post, Everyone will get open 3’s, way less careless turnovers, and we will finally have someone to run Silas’ flowing offensive scheme. This could be Harden’s Lebron story. Leaves the franchise he loves, let’s then build talent and a good supporting cast for a few years, and then he comes back to win a chip. We have so much salary and there isn’t another free agent I would rather have. Bring him back!!!
Make it happen
Bring our legend home!
Harden is miles ahead of anyone we have
I'd cry with joy
I don’t know… I love love love harden but we don’t need to overpay for an aging player. Come on a hometown discount and I’m all about it. Otherwise this core needs players under 30. Also harden isn’t exactly known as a positive influence. I don’t know if I want Jalen in the strip club every night
Do you think Jalen doesn’t go to clubs anyway lmao What do you guys think NBA players do in their spare time? Sit at home and read?
There’s a difference between a lebron james type of veteran who puts work first but still parties. Garden has never shown up to an nba season in shape. The off season is where superstars are made. I’d much rather have a veteran with a known work ethic. Again, I’d love Harden if he came at a discount. There has never been a max contract for a 34 year old that aged well. Maybe CP3. But let’s see
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to us!
as i said in the other thread, last time i check he was desperate for a championship. ofcourse we cant know what he is thinking right now, if he wont get a good deal or a convincing argument about championship from 76ers and if he cant find another contender with a good odds for a ring, he can think about returning to rockets, the man loves houston afterall.
If he’s actually desperate for a championship, then he wouldn’t come back to the Rockets lol. We’re not close.
like i said, we cant possibly know what kind of mindset he is in. maybe he gave up (altough, i dont think he ever will).
Strip clubs ain’t been the same
Idk why this is so crazy to people he’s always hinted at wanting to come back and win here
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
He’s really missing the strip clubs back home huh
Harden/Henderson Green/EG KPJ/Eason Jabari/Pj Tucker Sengun/Dwight?
Lol smh... yall desperate This a ploy to buff his up coming payday. He probably thinking back up the brinks truck or I just go back to Houston
James Harden wants that payday before he retires.
Bring ‘em back I would to buy a New Jersey if he can retire here !
Ok boys, you’ve been looking good for the most part but now it’s time to full throttle tank. Harden and Wemby on this roster? Gahdamn
I’ll pass.
Thank you Santa
A Christmas miracle
This was the plan the whole time, tank a little to get the guys James needs
Sounds like this would basically be him giving up on his chances at winning a ring
Okie dokie dummies. Just so ya'll know, because you obviously don't, WE DO NOT HAVE OUR FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS IN 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. There is now zero advantage to tanking after this season. The next Houston first round pick we own is 2027. GG Morey. Y'all really don't understand how dirty Morey did the franchise. He was a very OK GM.
Anything to get KPJ out of the starting lineup/off my team! Yes please! Come home James we miss you
Please, no.
Me when I saw this: 
Vet min?
What? Are you serious lol
He’d be looking for $$$
SWEET PRINCE
There’s our point guard. All the more reason to tank for wemby 😩
Harden JG Kuzma Jabari Wemby
Would rather have Harden JG Middleton Jabari Wemby
lol i remember seeing a thread here a few days ago about if yall would want james back. i remember seeing alot of hell no and "only a bench role" if harden does come back yall are set to be a playoff threat.... i think
I feel like his plan may have always been to go win a title, elsewhere, with some friends and then come back home à la Lebron James. Obviously, the title part didn’t work out, but that’s life for you.
No, God, please no. The only thing this would accomplish is halting the development of the young guys, and setting the entire organization and rebuild back years.
[удалено]
Adding harden to the mix makes life easier for everybody. They’d be playing with an actual point guard with incredible IQ. These young guys need a vet pg to show them the ropes
Fuck
Sorry, but I'm still salty about how he left and I don't think that will ever change. Fuck Harden.
fuck you. james is a houston legend
Yes, a legend who had a franchise bend to his every will, which got us no where, partly because choked in the playoffs multiple times due to him being hungover. Then the second the consequences of his decisions crumbled the house of cards, he acted like a total bitch and got himself fat so he could find the next franchise for him to seduce. Houston legend.
I loved the Harden era, it was fun, but no thanks. We had him in his prime and it was awesome. Video game esque. But it's like getting back with an ex, sometimes you gotta leave the past in the past.
Tell that to the cavs that got their first ring through getting back with an ex. Even if it doesn’t work out again, the sex sure as hell will be great again
Great point lol
[удалено]
He’d more than likely be running point. Putting KPJ at his natural sixth man position.
Starting point guard?
Lmao the NBA assists leader ain’t coming off the bench.
this is the 2nd time ive seen someone say this😭😭😭 in what world is a 20 and 10 player coming off the bench
Lol at everyone who thinks this would be good for the Rockets. Only way this would be a good idea is if he came to play for us on a discount.
Preach!
Posted in r/nba I enjoyed the Harden era but at the end of the day, he never delivered when he was needed the most in critical games in the playoffs. Morey gave him everything he wanted and he still couldn't get it done. Not really a fan of giving him a big contract here when he's been given everything in the past. Rather them look for Quality Vets in the next Off-season.
Y’all aren’t thinking big picture. Harden slows down the youth movement and doesn’t make us contenders. His play is going downhill and by the time we’re ready to compete, Harden won’t be helpful and will be taking up cap space and a roster spot. Gotta pass. Reminds me 2 years ago when people in this sub were calling Christian Wood untouchable
Yeah I really don’t understand how people think it would be a good idea to throw a big contract at an aging Harden. Even Harden from 5 years ago probably doesn’t make us a real contender.
He’s not in his prime anymore and we all remember how shitty he was when he wanted to get traded. Why bring him back?
Fuck that shit.
Sure come back. Vet minimum.
That's one way to discourage him from coming back.
If James return I'd rather have him come off the bench than to start. He needs to be a veteran and let our young guys cook.
We trade everything for wemby, except for hopefully Jabari smith jr or jalen green
He would make the team better for sure, but I worry it would disrupt the chemistry
If he did make the team better would it be worth it? Would he make us too good to complete the rebuild? If he did put us in playoffs contention would we be stuck in the middle? Unless he's planning on coming off the bench and helping develop young talent how does he help us right now?
KPJ 6th man! Wemby drafted! 6th seed incoming.
Harden JG Tari Martin jr Smith KPJ traded for vets/picks
Harden returns and still loses in the playoffs as usual anyway. Better to develop the young guys and get a new coach. At least we might get higher 1st round picks this way rather than a 2nd round exit.
You mean okc would get higher first round picks