Longtime ESPN media personality Stephen A. Smith has important connections throughout the NBA, including with the Houston Rockets and especially owner Tilman Fertitta.
While his opinions on shows such as “First Take” are often polarizing, the underlying sourced information is often credible, based on the relationships he’s cultivated over decades in the business.
So it could be noteworthy that Smith isn’t as optimistic as many others in the media regarding the potential of a reunion between the Rockets and James Harden in 2023 free agency.
In comments made Monday morning, Smith said:
I don’t believe he’s going back. I don’t even believe he wants to go back. He just wants his money.
You’re thinking, if there’s one organization that will give you the money, it’ll be them. I would say to you, ‘That ain’t gonna happen.’
Because after watching him in this postseason, they might be willing to give him a two-year deal, but they ain’t willing to give him a four-year deal, particularly at max dollars. Because of that, I really don’t see that happening.
Smith’s extended commentary on where the relationship between the Rockets and Harden stands can be viewed below.
"I'm not guessing. I'm telling you what I know. I'm going to put this story to bed right now."@stephenasmith tells us exactly why Houston is in the mix for going after James Harden 👀 pic.twitter.com/CqsPlemdHa
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 12, 2023
