Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden is "seriously considering" a return to the Houston Rockets as a free agent, according to a report.
The 33-year-old spent an accolade-laden nine years with the Rockets between 2012 and 2021, during which time he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2018 and made the All-Star team eight times in a row.
Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021 before making the switch to the 76ers 13 months later on a two-year deal, but a player option in his contract means that he could become a free agent in July.
According to ESPN, Harden is now giving serious consideration to a return to the Houston Rockets, only two years after demanding a trade elsewhere following the exits of general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D'Antoni.
The report adds that Houston has a "magnetic pull" for Harden, and he remains attracted to the lifestyle of the Texas-based side, who have space in their salary cap to welcome the three-time NBA scoring champion back for a sensational second spell.
Harden came up with 29 points, four rebounds and 13 assists as the 76ers beat the New York Knicks 119-112 on Christmas Day - their eighth win in a row since losing to the Rockets on December 6.
Doc Rivers's team sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and are next in action away to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
