Stunning Rockets reunion has suddenly become possible- but it's not the right time

It would be glorious to see the Houston Rockets reunite with James Harden. Unfortunately, now is not the time.

It's a harsh reality. Fans want Harden back. That's understandable: For many Rockets fans, Harden is the best player they've ever seen in the team's jersey.

And sure, they could use him. Reed Sheppard has had a phenomenal sophomore season, but at times, he does remind us that he's a sophomore. Fred VanVleet is out for the year. Those are good reasons to acquire Harden:

But they don't outweigh the hurdles.

Rockets can't easily acquire Harden

The Rockets are over the first apron. They can't trade whatever they'd like for Harden. The money has to match precisely.

That would mean something like VanVleet, Steven Adams, and a first-round pick, or VanVleet, Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard. Now, you're seeing the problem:

The Rockets can't make the money work without giving up too much.

Adams is structurally integral to the team. Eason and Sheppard should be an absolute non-starter. If flipping VanVleet and a first for Harden were viable, it'd be something to consider. It isn't.

Does that mean the Rockets will never roster Harden again?

Rockets could reunite with Harden some day

Let's not go that far.

Harden has a $42 million player option this summer. If he declines it, he'll hit the open market. Perhaps something team-friendly could be worked out with the Rockets.

Alternatively, he may accept that option to secure one more massive payday. If so, he'll be an unrestricted free agent two summers from now. It should be easy to work something out by then.

Granted, Harden will age. That's fine. Harden is averaging 26.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game with a 5.5 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) this year.

He is on track to remain a productive player in two years. He won't be the same, but the Rockets won't need a superstar. If all goes according to plan, Sheppard will be a star in two years. The Rockets will be signing Harden as one of the best backup point guards in the NBA.

That will make sense. For now, it's just not feasible for the Rockets to add Harden. It would be fun, and it would tug on the heartstrings, but the NBA's financial structure makes it unrealistic. The Rockets simply can't trade for him without shooting themselves in the foot:

So, fans may have to wait a bit longer for that reunion.