There was a time when the Houston Rockets have been talked about in NBA Finals conversations.
If the Rockets wish to convey again a participant who helped change the notion of the franchise within the 2010s, they need to contact a rising guard from the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Bringing again Harden might look like a dream come true for Houston followers,” Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World wrote Friday.
“He would immediately present veteran management and enhance their offense, particularly in crucial conditions the place Houston has struggled.”
“Harden’s skill to create for gamers like Jalen Inexperienced and Alperen Sengun may very well be simply what the workforce must take the following step.”
“However his integration into the Rockets’ present system, which emphasizes protection and a sooner tempo, raises some questions. Harden’s ball-dominating type might battle with what Ime Udoka has constructed to date. ‘now.
“There’s additionally the query of his contract. Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million contract, with a participant choice for the second yr. »
“Which means buying and selling for him could be a short-term gamble, particularly given his historical past of extricating himself from conditions when issues don’t go his method.”
“For the Clippers, if Leonard’s damage drags on and so they resolve to retool, shifting Harden may very well be an choice. For the Rockets, it might rely on how a lot they’re prepared to threat for an opportunity to speed up their schedule.
“Finally, Harden’s connection to the Rockets and skill to proceed to dominate video games makes him an intriguing choice.”
“Whereas the Clippers might not be prepared to maneuver on but, if issues do not change or Leonard’s return takes longer than anticipated, it would not be surprising to see Harden’s title come up in industrial negotiations.
“For Houston, this might be a daring transfer, however one that would repay large if all goes properly.”
The Clippers have been dealt a poor hand to begin the 2024-25 season, however the group has been aggressive this yr because of Harden and Norman Powell.
Harden is averaging 21.6 factors and eight.5 assists per sport this season whereas capturing 37.9% from the sphere and 33.8% from three-point land.
At 35, the step-back extraordinaire can nonetheless frustrate defenders together with his manipulative techniques and take management of video games late.
Harden, who has scored greater than 24 factors in each season of his nine-year stick with the Rockets, would give Houston an skilled nearer with 166 playoff video games below his belt.
The Rockets declare to be content material to develop their younger core, however the franchise might expertise a change of coronary heart and aggressively pursue its former franchise participant.
Extra NBA: Lakers might hit the jackpot by buying a trio for $242 million in a multi-team commerce
