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Rumors are swirling about James Harden and his reported openness to a potential return to the Houston Rockets. While the news itself on the Philadelphia 76ers guard is surprising, what’s not surprising is the outpouring of reactions on Twitter over the possibility.
A few Sixers reporters weighed in on the Woj bomb dropping before the Christmas game slate. While there are many ways to look at the news, one thing for certain is that James Harden isn’t without alternatives given his ability to opt out for next offseason.
I really don't have too much of a comment about what might happen in free agency 7+ months from now, but it's pretty easy to read between the lines and say that these Houston rumors indicate Harden isn't staying for a discount.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) December 25, 2022
I'm not sure why I expected the Sixers to be normal on Christmas but that's my mistake
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) December 25, 2022
It’s fair to wonder where the leak came from (and whether it was James Harden’s camp who initiated it all in the first place) but the timing of it is pretty curious given that the Sixers are playing relatively well and the season is far from over. Perhaps the added spotlight of the Christmas slate was a factor in all this? Maybe this is simply the first of a season-long narrative that will hang over Philadelphia and how far they get this season.
Ah yes love a good holiday leverage play with the player option hanging over the balance https://t.co/Yg7w5w7HH7
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) December 25, 2022
Had no idea the first major leak would come this soon, but there’s a reason I’ve been talking about it for months. Makes a lot of sense for both sides.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 25, 2022
While the implications for the Sixers are serious ones, you can’t fault NBA Twitter for bringing the memes. One fan is blaming it on the frigid temperatures. Harden may have a beard to keep his face warm, but he’s been used to much warmer climates in Houston during his decade-long run with the Rockets.
Harden after one cold front pic.twitter.com/n8lggCU2PQ
— Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon (@TrillBroDude) December 25, 2022
It’s clear he’s feeling frosty given what he wore to Madison Square Garden for the Sixers’ Christmas showdown against the New York Knicks. You wouldn’t even know it was him.
Should've known something was up the second Harden wore this to the arena… https://t.co/kEuIRTBIgb
— Pick Swap Podcast (@PickSwapPod) December 25, 2022
There will truly be a big winner if James Harden does decide to go back to Houston – and it’s not the Rockets fans, folks.
“Harden might go back to the Rockets”
Houston strippers: pic.twitter.com/6OoblaqQvC
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) December 25, 2022