The rumors, which began in March, gradually gained importance and intensity. The Houston Rockets are expected to be very aggressive in approaching James Harden’s return to the Texans franchise, according to a reporter at ESPNAdrian Wojnarowski, who actually submitted this scenario a month ago.

In fact, the outcome of the draft lottery, which will be held this Tuesday, May 16, will not in any way affect the goal of the Houston administration to bring Harden back. Not even if he returns the first He chooses Project 2023 and with it the great desire of this rubbish, Victor Wimpanyama.

After three seasons filled with losses and scant team development, the organization is determined to turn things around quickly, which is why they’ve already closed in on Ime Udoka as head coach. The Rockets could have more than $60 million to invest in free agency, plus they’re willing to give up some of their young players in order to add more veteran pieces that could instantly increase the team’s competitive ceiling. Thus, Harden’s return will be part of that plan. The 2018 season MVP still has strong ties to the Houston area, where he remains a popular figure.

However, Wojnarowski himself warns that these rumors could be part of a strategy to land a dignified new contract with the 76ers. In fact, Harden himself declared after the elimination against the Boston Celtics that he had not yet made up his mind about his future, but in any case, he wanted to compete, a desire more befitting of the 76ers current capabilities. In any case, a genuine interest on Harden’s part in returning to Houston, where he played nine seasons, cannot be ruled out.

The contract Harden signed with Philadelphia last summer includes a $35.6 million option for the player for next season. He has until June 29 to make a decision but is expected to decline the option and seek a new long-term deal.

(Cover photo by Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)