Since Christmas 2022, widespread rumors have percolated throughout the NBA of a potential reunion in free agency between the Houston Rockets and former franchise icon James Harden.
Now, with Harden opting into the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and seeking a trade elsewhere, it’s clear he will not be reuniting with the Rockets once 2023 free agency deals can be reached starting at 5 p.m. Central on Friday.
While most of the prior leaks appeared to be sourced from Harden’s camp, it wasn’t as if the Rockets quickly denied interest in his services. So, what ultimately changed? According to multiple reports, it may have been the hire of Ime Udoka as Houston’s new head coach.
From ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
I think once Ime Udoka came in as head coach, they started looking at the roster (and) what they wanted to do in free agency. I think Fred VanVleet has moved to the top of the list in Houston.
From The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Kelly Iko:
Sources say the Rockets — with a first-year coach in Ime Udoka, a cadre of young prospects and $64 million in salary cap space to spend — had already chosen not to pursue Harden in free agency in recent weeks and thus eliminated another of his top options.
As so many suspected long ago, when the league-wide chatter about Harden heading back to the rebuilding Rockets was growing louder by the month, the fit was ultimately deemed incongruous.
There is still no shortage of love for Harden and his game among Rockets officials, with owner Tilman Fertitta, his son and liaison Patrick, and general manager Rafael Stone chief among that group, but the choice was made to take a pass on another Harden chapter.
It’s worth noting Udoka was an assistant coach in Brooklyn when Harden joined the Nets during the 2020-21 season. Thus, he has at least some personal background knowledge.
James Harden has identified the Clippers as his preferred destination and there’s optimism a trade will materialize, sources tell myself and @sam_amick.
More details on a looming 76ers breakup and the road that lies ahead.
Exclusive for @TheAthletic https://t.co/jxo5aXqEg0
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 30, 2023
As a successful head coach that previously led the Boston Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, Udoka had interest from multiple teams and a significant amount of leverage when he was on the market in April.
Based on that leverage, Udoka likely has a certain amount of say when it comes to personnel decisions, even if general manager Rafael Stone is still the final decision maker. It’s also worth noting that since Houston still has a very young roster and isn’t attempting to compete for a championship next season, the Rockets may have also considered various cultural and chemistry factors, such as how each target would mesh with the team’s existing young core.
Whatever the reason, it seems clear Udoka preferred Toronto’s Fred VanVleet over Harden for the lead-guard role. Perhaps it’s due to superior defensive abilities and being less ball-dominant on offense, or maybe it’s about how they see VanVleet fitting in the locker room.
The bottom line is it’s a decision the Rockets made and are comfortable with, and the Harden door is now seemingly closed.
