Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden is "seriously considering" a return to the Houston Rockets as a free agent, according to a report.
The 33-year-old spent an accolade-laden nine years with the Rockets between 2012 and 2021, during which time he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2018 and made the All-Star team eight times in a row.
Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021 before making the switch to the 76ers 13 months later on a two-year deal, but a player option in his contract means that he could become a free agent in July.
According to ESPN, Harden is now giving serious consideration to a return to the Houston Rockets, only two years after demanding a trade elsewhere following the exits of general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D'Antoni.
The report adds that Houston has a "magnetic pull" for Harden, and he remains attracted to the lifestyle of the Texas-based side, who have space in their salary cap to welcome the three-time NBA scoring champion back for a sensational second spell.
Harden came up with 29 points, four rebounds and 13 assists as the 76ers beat the New York Knicks 119-112 on Christmas Day - their eighth win in a row since losing to the Rockets on December 6.
Doc Rivers's team sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and are next in action away to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. body check tags ::
