76ers' James Harden Responds to Rockets Rumors: 'I'm Excited to Be Here'

After the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the New York Knicks on Sunday, James Harden addressed rumors that he might return to the Houston Rockets in free agency in 2023.

He told reporters that he's here. I'm excited to be here and we're playing very well and I don't know where that report came from. We are continuing to improve.

If Harden doesn't re-sign with the 76ers, he may return to Houston, where he played from 2012 to 2021, according to a report on Sunday.

According to sources, Harden and his inner circle have been weighing Houston in recent months, a remarkable possibility given that he requested and received a trade out of the team less than two years ago.

Harden has a player option for the 24th season of his contract.

Harden has been playing well over the last two games. He had a 20-point, 21- assist, 11-rebound triple-double in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday before adding 29 points, 13 assists and four steals in a loss to the Knicks on Saturday.

The 76ers are 20-12 on the season and have won eight straight games thanks to Harden and other players.

The 33-year-old Harden could be playing himself into a much more lucrative deal this off-season.

The Celtics and Spotrac noted that the Rockets are able to pay for it.

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA

I project the Rockets to have $59.3M in cap space this summer.And that's without sacrificing any of their young core.That's more than enough to add James Harden and to have enough left over to add more talent around him, along with keeping all the kids.

Interesting scenario!

Houston is in full-on rebuilding mode with an exciting young core of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengn, and Kevin Porter Jr.

The Houston's rebuild could be greatly accelerated if Harden is in charge. If they don't make the playoffs, they'll get another lottery pick to use this year, even though they're last in the conference.

Philadelphia could also sign Harden to a long-term contract. Right now, the only significant financial commitment the team has is to Embiid, who has a four-year, $196 million supermax extension.

The 76ers will be looking for their ninth straight win when they visit the Wizards on Tuesday.