The stage is being set for an eventual James Harden reunion with Rockets

It's been widely suggested that the Houston Rockets could reunite with James Harden for some time. It could happen in the summer of 2027 when he's set to hit free agency.

Depending on which Rockets fan you ask, that would either be a blessing or a curse. Some in the fanbase are done with The Beard forever. They didn't appreciate his tumultuous exit from the squad, and they'd deny him re-entry.

Others remember the good times. Who could blame them? Harden is almost universally regarded as the second-best player in Rockets history.

Could he give his career a storybook ending?

Rockets legend could return to team

At the moment, Harden is a Clipper.

They've made some intriguing moves this summer, but it feels like they're in boom-or-bust mode. Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, and John Collins were smart additions. None of them is going to move the needle strongly enough if Kawhi Leonard's body fails him again. The Clippers need a deep playoff run this year or else they'll have to start thinking about the future.

Surely, Harden considers what's to come from time to time. At 35, his NBA days are numbered. If the Clippers aren't on track to compete for the title in two summers, one would assume he'll be looking for his final NBA home.

Why not go back to the place that he gave the best years of his career to? That said, free agency is a two-way street.

Should the Rockets be interested in a reunion with Harden?

Rockets should consider a James Harden reunion

Not now, no.

Harden is still a star player. In 2024-25, he averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game with a Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 4.4. The Clippers aren't looking to trade him. Even if they were, a trade with the Rockets wouldn't be viable. They don't have the expendable salary to match, or the desire to give up assets.

That's why the Rockets should wait for free agency. Harden will be 38 when the summer of 2027 rolls around. He may not have been as productive, but he still should be solid. Even if he's staved off father time entirely, he may be amenable to a discount to return to Houston. If he is, he's likely to provide the injection of playmaking and ball-handling the team currently needs.

The Rockets can't sit on their hands and wait for Harden. Who knows what their situation will be in two summers? That said, if they have a vacancy in their guard rotation, letting Harden fill it should sell tickets and make sense from a basketball perspective:

It might finally be time for this to happen.