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Accused of Being a Traitor, Bombshell News on James Harden’s Future Will Leave Multiple NBA Fanbases Shook

Published 02/24/2023, 12:52 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

It was only last season that James Harden changed franchises for the second time in as many years. The Beard at 33 has been desperate to compete for a title. Both stints in Brooklyn and Houston got him close, but never over the line. Consumed by the hunger, the former MVP joined forces with Joel Embiid. He made intentions to prioritize winning clear by signing a team-friendly deal in the summer. In addition, since being healthy, the 10-time All-Star has played a huge part in the Philadelphia 76ers’ success this season. The three-time scoring champion seems fully sold on the mission with Philly putting up 21.6 points and 10.7 assists per game. But recent news might take several fanbases by surprise.

With Philadelphia, we have seen a different version of Harden. His role is more of a playmaker behind the dominant scoring of Embiid. However, that isn’t ‘The Beard’ fans have become accustomed to. He hit his peak during his glory years with the Houston Rockets. James Harden won three scoring titles and put up video game numbers. He rose as an MVP of the league, but he could only go as far as the Conference Finals.

USA Today via Reuters

Both parties had an ugly breakout when the now Sixers guard forced his way out. But he still continues to have connections in Houston. And recent reports suggest he might be planning a reunion.

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Does James Harden want to run it back with H-Town?

For the last several weeks, questions about Harden’s future have taken fans by shock. The first headlines came through ‘The Athletic’ claiming there is a 70% chance that Harden is a Rocket to begin the next season. Moreover, his hiring of a full-time agent escalated the rumors even more. As time goes on, what might have seemed crazy once is now looking to be real by the second.

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Recently, Real GM reported ESPN’s Tim McMahon claiming “James Harden still spends a lot of time in Houston. Spends his summers in Houston. Works out at the Rockets’ facility on a regular basis. It’s a very real possibility.”

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The 10-time All-Star will have a player option for next season. He could very well test free agency by declining his option. Moreover, there is also a chance Harden wants a greater deal with the Sixers in the coming off-season.

The Houston Rockets have been one of the worst teams in the NBA since Harden’s departure. The franchise has focused more on developing its young core with the likes of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. With the team clearly focused on improving their young stars, a reunion with Harden might not be the best approach. However, Adrian Wojnarowski did claim that both parties share a mutual interest.

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Watch This Story–3 times James Harden choked in the NBA playoffs

James Harden might not be at his peak, but he continues to produce at an All-Star level. If he does return to H-Town, championship aspiration might not hold. But do you think we can see the microwave scorer be revived? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth