Woj Insider Report: Harden's Future In Philly "Very Unclear"

While the Philadelphia 76ers have just started their playoff run, the future of James Harden has already come clearly into focus. ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski has dropped a bomb of sorts, claiming that The Beard leaving for the Houston Rockets could definitely be in play.

“James Harden's future is very unclear in Philadelphia… Houston is very much in play for him.”

- @wojespn

(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/fyhyS2JkCu

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 20, 2023

Wojnarowski said on his podcast that the earlier rumors of a Harden return to Houston is "very much in play for him."

James Harden's future is very unclear in Philadelphia. Houston is very much in play for him. And I think a lot may depend on [whether] they make a run and win and it's easy to pay him long-term big money, or he just wants to be in Houston. Win or lose he goes, or it's dependent on the team's success.

Thus far, the Sixers are doing as expected, leading the Brooklyn Nets 2-0 in their first-round series. The real challenge will come in the next two rounds, when they'd have to get by the Boston Celtics and then, if they make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, likely the Milwaukee Bucks. 

The playoffs have brought nothing but disappointment to the Sixers in the Joel Embiid era, and certainly in the Doc Rivers era, and a lot is clearly riding on how they do on their run this year. 

Houston, of course, is where Harden had his greatest success in the NBA, averaging just a tick under 30 points per game (29.6) in his nine seasons there while winning MVP in 2018. And yes, the Rockets have room to sign him this summer—outright.

Also, a gentle reminder that the Rockets are projected to have enough salary-cap space to sign James Harden to a full max this summer (if so desired).

They don't need to sign-and-trade for him, so there's no guarantee the Sixers would get anything back if he does walk.

— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) April 20, 2023

Harden re-signed with Philly this past offseason for a two-year, $68.6 million deal, but with an opt-out after this season. The next several weeks should tell the tale.

Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports