In this NBA season, the Houston Rockets are performing at the level that many predicted they would. Since Eric Gordon is the only player in their rotation with more than three NBA seasons of experience, they have a record of 9-21 and are in last place in the Western Conference.

 

The Rockets want to see growth from their young core this season, so they are again focusing exclusively on development. Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Makeover is what the franchise hopes will be its foundation for many years. All have demonstrated some promise this season, and they should only get better as they gain more experience.

 

The Rockets will eventually be looking to add seasoned veterans to help them advance them rebuild. Houston could become buyers in free agency as early as 2023 if they choose to skip the usual requirement of being competitive during the regular season.

 

One of those groups includes the Rockets, a team that attracts free agents instead of other franchises that are rebuilding. MacMahon touched on it in the podcast: Is there a chance James Harden could come back to them as a free agent?

 

“They could have $60 million in remaining cap space this summer. This is not Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, or San Antonio. Houston is the location that could be appealing to free agents.

 

“Watching the results of free agency will be fascinating. You’re aware of how the league operates. There has already been a lot of rumor and connecting about James Harden returning to Houston if things don’t work out in Philadelphia. ‘

 

Keep an eye on what is appropriate. Let’s first look at Philadelphia, where the basketball team is beginning to play well. Does that also make sense from a Rockets standpoint?”.

 

When a team has that much cap space, they will be active in free agency, whether signing veterans or taking on contracts that other groups don’t want in salary dumps in exchange for draft compensation. The fact that Harden is out of sync with the team’s current plans, though, is a bigger deal.

 

It is difficult to imagine Harden returning to the Rockets, given his desire to compete for championships. Houston would still need to make a number of moves to be considered a genuine Western Conference contender, even with him on the roster.

 

It doesn’t make sense for either party, despite advice to keep an eye on Harden’s return to Houston.