James Harden is considering a return to the Houston Rockets in free agency, if he can't reach a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden was with Houston from 2012 until his trade in early 2021.

Harden was traded from the Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season. A year later, the Nets sent Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. This past offseason, Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million contract with the Sixers. That deal includes a player option for next season.

Houston can create nearly $60 million in cap space this summer. Of importance, the Rockets can do so without parting with any members of their young core. That would be enough cap space to sign Harden with plenty left over to add an additional free agent or two.