I believe it. I don't think JH is ever signing a 4-5 year multi max with anyone. It'd make it harder for him to bail on something down the line since he himself knows he has commitment issues. And I still don't buy for one second that he'd voluntarily come back to the Rockets to play for the current regime and be a CP3-in-OKC type of leader to the kids. That's not who he is.
By the way, the odds are interesting. An offshore book has Harden a bit favored (implied ~60%) to remain in Philly next year. If he leaves for another team, the Rockets are the favorites. But not significant favorites. Right behind them are Miami, Boston, Dallas and the Lakers. The betting sites think he could possibly leave, and there's multiple openings for him.
in case you want to hear it for yourself. Lowe and McMahon: https://www.espn.com/radio/play/_/id/35330796 (audio) Harden / Rockets talk starts at 21 min mark. 20:58
Just noting - this is the first time Lowe has had McMahon on to talk about the Rockets all season. Most of the other teams have had multiple segments at this point. So that basically answers part of the question as to "why would they want to do this" - unless Victor or scoot comes, the Rockets are irrelevant to the NBA.
Harden on a two year deal is a no-brainer. It devalues the pick we owe OKC and might get the young core some playoff experience.
give sengun the ball and well have a playoffs experience... whats the point of harden when sengun is harden 2.0, younger and a better version..harden on steroids if you will....
I don't really get why it's "dumbest in NBA" the, team needs a true PG BAD, has empty cap room, and has to avoid the lottery next year. There's nobody else currently available who's remotely close. If he's willing to sign a 1+1 - you'd have to be the dumbest franchise in the NBA to say "nah KPJ experience year 4 will be the one that gets us out of lottery we're good!" and then watch the Thunder draft 5th.
Not gonna lie, the rumor that Harden wants to come back because he misses the city of Houston brings a little tear to my eye. He can't quit us.
Yep. You get a top 5 playmaker in the entire nba on a potentially one year deal which gives both sides flexibility. It’s a steal
I think KPJ can become better, of course not Harden in his prime good but better. People hate KPJ now but will hug his nuts again.
