Reports: James Harden's Houston Rockets return on the cards if Philadelphia 76ers spell doesn't work out

At last year's trade deadline, James Harden found himself in a brand new situation once again. After an underwhelming run with the Brooklyn Nets, the 2017-18 MVP was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons and other pieces in February.

Alongside Joel Embiid, Harden was supposed to be a high-level addition who could help Philly get closer to fulfilling its championship aspirations. That did not happen last season as they were eliminated in the second round in six games by the Miami Heat.

After signing a team-friendly extension this offseason, things have started off hot for James Harden and the 76ers (18-12). They are a middle-of-the-pack team in the East that has been devistated by multiple injuries.

With things not going as planned in Philly, gossip is starting to swirl regarding Harden's situation. On a recent episode of "Howdy Partners," ESPN's Tim MacMahon brought up the idea of a Harden return to the Houston Rockets.

“You know how the league works,” MacMahon said. “There’s a lot of gossip. There’s a lot of dot-connecting, ‘Hey, if things don’t work out in Philly, James Harden back to Houston. Just keep an eye out on that.'”

Harden spent nine years with the Rockets, and it's where he emerged as a generational talent.

Could James Harden actually go back to the Houston Rockets?

MacMahon might feel like it's on the table, but it seems unlikely that James Harden would go back to the Houston Rockets at this point. Given the current state of the franchise, it doesn't match the timeline of his career.

At 33 years old, Harden is looking to contend right now. He has done just about everything he can in this league except secure a championship. If that is still his top priority, then a return to Houston is completely off the table.

Right now, the Rockets (9-21), who are last in the Western Conference, are in the midst of a full rebuild. Their roster is littered with bright young talent, and development is their only goal right now. The only thing bringing in Harden would do is take the ball out of the hands of former No. 2 pick Jalen Green.

Given how things ended between Harden and the Rockets, it's unclear if the organization would even want him back at this point. Before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, he was out of shape and visibly didn't care for the team.

If the All-Star point guard did decide to leave the Philadelphia 76ers, his former home wouldn't be on the list of teams that could help him win a title.