Much of the offseason talk surrounding James Harden’s future centered around a potential reunion with the Rockets. But despite some initial interest from Houston, it doesn’t look like its going to happen.
Per NBA insider Sean Deveney, the hiring of head coach Ime Udoka changed things. Who reportedly told the organization, “It’s not going to work here.”
The @HoustonRockets were planning to pursue James Harden this summer but changed their stance. Why? Well, Ime Udoka happened.
‘Ime said ‘It’s not going to work here.”
More from @SteveBHoop at @HeavyOnSports:https://t.co/54j9AjA2MH— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) July 7, 2023
“From everything we’ve gotten out of there, it was a matter that Ime didn’t want him,” a league source told Deveney. “At the beginning, were they thinking about Harden? Yeah. But then they hired Ime, and Ime said, ‘It’s not going to work here.'”
The Rockets are still in the beginning stages of a rebuild that saw them finish with the second-worst record in the NBA last season.
Harden recently opted-in to his player option with the 76ers in hopes of landing a trade partner. However, it doesn’t appear that his former team will be included in any potential trade talks.