The headlines following the Philadelphia 76ers' exit from the 2023 playoffs continue to suggest James Harden's return to Houston is an increasingly likely proposition, where the former franchise anchor will be tasked with bringing the Rockets to the next phase of their extended rebuild. Though with the start of free agency still over a month away, banking on any potential addition is a fool's errand for general manager Rafael Stone and Co.
Harden could be enticed to stick with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia with a new coach and a fresh $250 million contract. He could look to team up with Devin Booker and two-time former teammate Kevin Durant, with Phoenix serving as a homecoming of sorts for the Arizona State product.