Exposed! Harden's top preferred destination! It’s been five full years since he left

"Where will Bro Harden go?"

During this regular season, Harden appeared in 26 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 33.8 minutes on the court, recording 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 3.2 turnovers per game, with three-point shooting percentages of 46.6%, 43.5%, and 84%. In the postseason, he averaged 37.3 minutes, achieving 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 turnovers, with shooting splits of 41%, 29.9%, and 83.1%.

It must be said that at 36 years old, Harden can barely perform at a star level under high-intensity defense. This summer, he holds a player option worth $42.31 million (with a guaranteed amount of about $13.32 million) and can choose to decline it to enter free agency early.

Currently, most sources regarding Harden believe he will stay in Cleveland. The specific approach would be to opt out of his contract first and then take a pay cut to sign a long-term deal with the Cavaliers...

However, there is another perspective, as follows:

Noted reporter Sidery stated thatHarden's most desired destination has always been a return to the Rockets. He very much hopes to finish his career in Houston, especially to play alongside Durant once again.

In early 2021, Harden left the Rockets to chase a championship but never achieved that goal. Over the past five years, he has changed teams four times, becoming a "league nomad." Previously, Harden and Durant were teammates twice: once with the Thunder from 2009 to 2012, and again with the Nets from 2020 to 2022.

If Harden can indeed return to Houston and end his career where he started, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome. Coincidentally, the Rockets' current roster is missing a true floor general to secure a championship key. However, the concern is that "the gentleman's affection may not be reciprocated," especially since head coach Udoka seems quite uninterested in him.

Of course, a "Harden returns to the Rockets" scenario won't be entirely decided by the coach's personal wishes. The team's management holds the real power.

It's worth noting that Udoka has led the Rockets to consecutive first-round playoff exits over the past two years, making his position as head coach far less authoritative than before.