James Harden was expected to sign with the Houston Rockets for the last few months before the team refocused elsewhere. Now, Harden is on the trade market as the 76ers didn’t want to give him the long-term extension he would have had in Houston.
The Athletic’s Kelly Iko revealed details on why the interest from both sides in a reunion gradually fizzled out, with Jalen Green’s comments on Paul George’s podcast about not loving the Harden fit playing a huge role in this.
“[James Harden] caught wind of Jalen’s podcast with Paul George, and he wasn’t too keen on some of the things Jalen Green was saying… For [Jalen] to say ‘it could be good, it could be bad,’ [James] didn’t like that very much.”
“[James Harden] caught wind of Jalen’s podcast with Paul George, and he wasn’t too keen on some of the things Jalen Green was saying… For [Jalen] to say ‘it could be good, it could be bad,’ [James] didn’t like that very much.” 😬👀
– @KellyIko on this clip. https://t.co/FrSLP45gfa
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 30, 2023
Green may not have wanted Harden, but George would gladly take him to be the starting point guard for the Clippers. Harden aligns with the veteran Clippers’ roster looking to win a championship now, as compared to rebuilding with a young Rockets team and possibly not fitting into the culture.
What Did Jalen Green Say?
Jalen Green went on Paul George’s podcast at the end of May and referred to Harden’s signing with Houston as something that would have elements of both bad and good.
“I think it can play both ways. It can help and hurt at the same time. I haven’t really talked to him too much about the rumors, I’m with you on that.”
"I think it can play both ways… It can help and hurt at the same time. I haven't really talked to him too much about the rumors."
Jalen Green on the rumors of James Harden possibly returning to the Rockets this offseason 👀
(via @PodcastPShow)pic.twitter.com/dxxLRRUQCj
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 22, 2023
The unenthusiastic reaction from Green probably cooled Houston’s pursuit of Harden and the former MVP’s desire to come back. The team is being catered around Green now and adding Harden could have created a potential for volatility that the team doesn’t need. Green averaged 22.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a sophomore last season.
Anyway, the Rockets are targeting Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks as their marquee signings this summer, with VanVleet reportedly getting a bigger contract than the $35.6 million Harden will be earning on his player option this season.
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