3 Reasons the Rockets must avoid signing James Harden at all costs

James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 49-25 record, but he may still have his heart set on rejoining the Houston Rockets this summer.

Last December, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden was strongly considering a return to Houston. The decision to return could be contingent upon how the 76ers finish their season and whether or not a proper deal is extended to the Beard.

Reports have indicated that Harden and his camp are strongly considering a reunion with the franchise that he spent nine years with. Since being traded to Brooklyn in 2021 and Philadelphia in 2022, he has not seemed happy.

Although Philadelphia is a top-three seed and Embiid and Harden are a dynamic duo, it's clear that the Beard may want to return to Houston as the face of the franchise.

Quite frankly, Houston would love to have JH back but that does not mean that a reunion should happen. Here are three reasons why the Rockets should avoid signing Harden this summer at all costs.

3. Harden disrupts young core development

Currently, the Rockets are in year two of their rebuild and it's been rough along the way, with a few upsides. As constructed, the Rockets have a promising young core of talent that features Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Keyon Martin Jr., and Alpheren Sengun, who is a wild card.

In addition to the franchise's current roster, the team is currently in the running for landing the No.1 pick in the 2023 draft via the outcome of the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery. If Houston lands the No.1 overall pick, there would be no need to sign Harden.

On the flip side, if the Rockets don't obtain the No. 1 overall pick, they still should avoid signing Harden. When franchises try to lure star players, they deplete their roster of young talent (LeBron James - Cleveland, 2014 Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City, 2017) and sometimes they don't bounce back.

If the Rockets sign Harden this summer, they run the risk of having to trade away contracts to create cap space. The franchise could also ruin the morale that is slowly developing with the current roster.

Not to mention, the franchise stressed the importance of letting Green and Porter Jr. develop as the future backcourt of the organization. Houston needs to stand firm on their decision and continue to rebuild and cultivate a firm foundation.

Signing Harden in the summer will create another project and disrupt the confidence that the younger players are gaining. He could also not connect well with the current young core due to his lack of leadership and or general interest in rebuilding.

2. Harden could have a negative impact on the potential coaching search

As of now, Stephen Silas is the head coach of the Rockets and was hired after the organization severed ties with Mike D'Antoni. After two seasons at the helm, Silas may be on the hot seat and the franchise could look to move on.

If Houston does decide to sign Harden in the summer, he could opt to suggest another coach. Even if Silas is fired, the search for another coach could be prolonged and used as a bargaining chip by the left-handed guard.

Harden's selection of a coach could affect the current core and it's clear that the next coach would have to have a developmental mindset. But if Harden does sign, he may opt for a coach who is ready to win now.

Right now, the Rockets need to focus on creating a brand-new culture that will be beneficial to the current roster that they have. The franchise should not wait for the Arizona State product or try to sign him because it will disrupt any innovation they may have at the coaching slot.

Signing JH in the summer would take a new coach hire and at least two seasons for the team to buy into their system. Also, there is no guarantee that young talent will develop that quickly.

1. Harden is aging

The main reason why Houston should avoid signing Harden this summer is because of his age and constant struggle to enter the season in shape. During his last season in Houston, he entered training camp out of shape.

Toward the end of his tenure with the Rockets, he practically gave up on the team and refused to play. During his first season with the Nets, he joined the team out of shape and forced himself out of Brooklyn.

The Beard would eventually snap back into shape toward the end of his first season with Philadelphia post-trade and entering his second season with the team. This season, he is averaging 21.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 10.8 assists (1st in league) per game.

Evidently, the 6-foot-5 guard's numbers have declined due to him deferring to Embiid. But Harden has gotten use to deferring and not having to take over games.

JH signing in H-Town may not provide the sequel that everyone is expecting because of the current roster build, his age, and the wear and tear on his body. He has not had to take on the scoring load in two seasons.

The Beard will be 34 before the 2023-24 season starts and there is no guarantee that he will be able to continue to play at a high level.

Harden staying in Philadelphia may be his best bet for a title and fulfillment.