No. 3 – Houston Rockets
For months, rumors have been swirling that Harden, who has spent most of his career with the Houston Rockets, could return there this summer. Those rumors are quickly gaining traction, as The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey has reported that the belief among executives is that Harden will indeed return to Houston in free agency. Per that same report, Houston asked their potential head coaching candidates how they would feel about coaching Harden. Where there’s smoke, there’s typically fire, and these rumors are certainly heating up.
The Rockets going after Harden may seem like a bit of an odd fit, given that they are a young team in this league, but it makes some sense. Despite their age, this team is looking to add pieces to aid them in winning now as they look to take that next step. They have an unfathomable amount of cap space to utilize this summer, and spending it big on household names like Harden is justifiable. Harden would be a veteran presence in that young Houston locker room and could help the young players like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. while also providing good statistical production.
Ultimately, only time will tell, but the Rockets are unquestionably the most prominent threat to steal Harden away from the 76ers this off-season.
Stay tuned for what should be a rumor-filled summer for the Philadelphia 76ers.