Sixers Rumors: Trying to make sense of the James Harden to Houston smoke

Now that it has been reported, we try to make some sense of the James Harden to Houston speculation that is now out there.

During the offseason, it became clear that the Philadelphia 76ers had become serious about winning a championship. After turning a disgruntled Ben Simmons into James Harden, the Sixers then when into the offseason and assembled a new supporting cast around Harden, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.

The thought heading into this season was that the Sixers would have a better shot at winning a title this season than in years past. And at the center of all of Philadelphia’s retooling during the offseason was James Harden taking a pay cut.

He opted out of his current deal, took less money in re-signing, and gave the Sixers all the flexibility needed to sign PJ Tucker, Montrezl Harrell, Danuel House Jr., and acquire De’Anthony Melton. Whether or not their offseason work will pay off remains to be seen. However, recently, there have been whispers surrounding Harden’s future with the team.

According to multiple reports, Harden is open to the idea of returning to Houston if he fails to re-sign with the Sixers this offseason. Harden can opt out of his current deal with Houston after this season.

Though, considering he just took a pay cut to re-sign with the Sixers and that he was recently acquired by them (from the Brooklyn Nets) less than a year ago (at his request), it begs the question: why?

Theoretically, why would James Harden leave the Sixers for the Rockets?

Naturally, one of the biggest questions that the Sixers’ fan base would want to be answered if they’re really interested in quieting these rumors is why Harden would bolt to the Rockets in the first place.

Because, make no mistake, on the surface, it doesn’t really make much sense. At this point in his career, Harden should prioritize winning. And, with the options that he had the last offseason, the Sixers gave him that opportunity. That’s one of the reasons why he even took less money to re-sign with the team.

However, he will have a chance to have a similar decision this offseason. And, quite frankly, you have to wonder if that will change. Have his priorities been altered?

Would it truly be surprising if Harden was like, “Ok, I’ll give this taking less money a shot but if I don’t win a title this season, then I’ll go and get my max money again.” And in that scenario, there may not be a max contract offer for Harden from the Sixers.

You’d have to imagine that a team dying to become relevant again would jump at the opportunity to give Harden a max offer, especially a team that has so much history with him. Like the Rockets.

The other option, which has not really been reported so I’m not sure how much water it holds, is a possible rift between Harden and Embiid. But nothing of that ilk has come to light just yet.

Again, this is all speculation upon speculation. But I think that if this is indeed the case, there either has to be more at play.

And, in my opinion, it comes down to these two possible scenarios. Maybe none of this ends up mattering and Harden re-signs in Houston next summer. That could end up being the most likely scenario in the end. Though, I also don’t think that this recent reporting is insignificant.