Insider: '70% chance' James Harden returns to Rockets this offseason

Even while James Harden is thriving this season with thePhiladephia 76ers, there continues to be talk about where he'llplay next season.

Back in December, ESPN's Tim MacMahon floated thateveryone should "keep an eye" on Harden possibly returning to hisformer team – the Houston Rockets – who will have more than $60million in available cap space and an owner who is anxious to getback in the playoffs.

Since then, the talk of Harden returning to Houston has onlycontinued. Most recently, Rockets insider Kelly Iko statedthere’s a "70% chance" that Harden will be on the Rockets'opening-day roster next season.

#Rockets insider @KellyIkosaid he thinks there’s a 70% chance Harden will be on the Rocketsopening day roster next season:“When there’s smoke there’s fire” 👀 pic.twitter.com/nfR2Y7O7Hf

— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) February 21, 2023

Until then, Harden has proven to be a great fit alongside JoelEmbiid in Philadelphia, averaging 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and10.8 assists per game.

The 76ers are currently the No. 3 seed in the EasternConference, with a 36-19 record.