The Reason Behind The Harden-Rockets Reunion Shut Down Finally Revealed

James Harden is one of the most offensively talented stars to play in the NBA over the last decade. As he now looks to try and move on from his fourth organization, rumors have been emerging about all of the potential destinations he could end up at. One such team that Harden has been linked with for over a year is the Houston Rockets, where he spent most of his career thus far and won an MVP award as well as multiple scoring titles. However, this reunion was apparently put to bed by Rockets head coach Ime Udoka.

According to reputable sources such as ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, the Rockets' front office was willing to offer James Harden a max contract in free agency until a meeting with their new head coach, Ime Udoka, made them change their mind.


Why Harden to the Rockets Fell Through


While Harden is arguably the biggest superstar to represent the Rockets since Hakeem Olajuwon, and even though he was utilized as a high-usage offensive weapon under Mike D'Antoni's 7-second system, Harden's role has evolved in recent seasons. After teaming up with former MVP Kevin Durant in Brooklyn and current MVP Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, Harden's usage has somewhat decreased, and his playing style has shifted to that of a facilitating point guard rather than the isolation scorer that Houston remembers.

Harden is now 34 years old, and over the last 3 seasons, he has been plagued with injuries. This raises questions about whether Harden can return to the form he displayed in Houston, where he once averaged 36 points per game for a season. Achieving that level of play was Harden's goal, as he stated in his meeting with the Rockets. Unfortunately for him, the new head coach had different plans, claiming that they were building something a little different.


The 76ers allegedly capitalized on these failed negotiations, and from Harden's perspective, they gave him a "low-ball" offer, which was the starting point for recent tensions that have led to Harden's trade request. With Philadelphia struggling to find a trade for Harden, we are uncertain what the future holds for the 10-time All-Star, and he may end up playing the majority, if not the full upcoming season as a Sixer. The Rockets, however, made major roster improvements this past free agency period by signing respected 3-and-D player Dillon Brooks, as well as former champion Fred VanVleet.

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