James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers have officially gone their separate ways, and this time, it feels like both sides knew it was time. Harden, still chasing that elusive championship ring, had questions looming around his contract beyond this season. Meanwhile, the Clippers-despite a recent surge in form-were clearly pivoting toward a younger core.
As Harden’s camp explored potential trade destinations ahead of the deadline, one familiar name surfaced: the Houston Rockets. According to reporting, Harden had interest in a reunion with the franchise where he became a superstar.
On paper, it made some sense. Houston’s starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, tore his ACL before the season, leaving a significant hole in the backcourt.
Harden, a former MVP who knows the city and the system, could’ve been a plug-and-play option.
But the Rockets didn’t bite. Despite the narrative appeal and the positional need, Houston showed little interest in bringing Harden back into the fold.
Instead, it was the Cleveland Cavaliers who reportedly kicked the tires on a potential deal. The idea?
Pair Harden’s playmaking with the Cavs’ twin towers, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, while giving Donovan Mitchell some breathing room in the offense. It’s not hard to see the logic-Harden’s ability to orchestrate in the halfcourt could have opened up new dimensions for Cleveland’s frontcourt and helped balance their scoring load.
As for Houston, the fit may have looked good on the surface, but the cost was always going to be the sticking point. The Clippers weren’t about to let Harden go for spare parts-they were going to ask for real assets, likely several of the Rockets’ young core players. And for a team that already passed on gutting its roster to acquire Kevin Durant in the offseason, the appetite for a blockbuster deal just wasn’t there.
Instead, the Rockets have leaned into what they have. Amen Thompson, while not a traditional point guard, has taken on a larger role and is holding his own with help from Alperen Sengun and Durant. Reed Sheppard, now in his second year, has stepped up as well, giving Houston enough backcourt stability to stay competitive despite the VanVleet injury.
A Harden-Houston reunion would’ve made headlines, no doubt. But in the end, both sides stayed the course. The Rockets chose continuity and development over nostalgia, and Harden continues his search for the right fit-and the right shot at a title.