Sat Nov 22 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Rockets Eye Reunion with James Harden After VanVleet Injury
Houston, TX – November 22, 2025 – The Houston Rockets are reportedly considering a potential trade for Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden following a season-ending injury to starting point guard Fred VanVleet. The news comes as the Rockets, bolstered by the offseason acquisition of Kevin Durant, aim for a championship run after finishing second in the Western Conference last season.
With VanVleet sidelined, the Rockets’ backcourt depth has been severely tested, forcing them to rely on a “guard-by-committee” approach. This short-term solution is deemed unsustainable for a team with serious title aspirations, prompting the front office to explore trade options before the deadline.
One name surfacing in trade discussions is former Rockets star James Harden. The Clippers are currently struggling, and a potential rebuild could see them move Harden to acquire assets for the future. A return to Houston would reunite Harden with Durant, a pairing that has expressed mutual interest in playing together again.
“Harden could finish his career in Houston,” noted NBA analyst Matt Levine, “which was always going to be his plan until the team started losing toward the end of his tenure.”
The potential reunion presents numerous benefits. Harden, a beloved figure in Houston, could provide the offensive firepower and playmaking the Rockets need. His familiarity with Durant would allow for immediate chemistry on the court. A trade would also offer Harden a chance to contend for a title and potentially conclude his career in the city where he established himself as a superstar.
While Harden’s high salary presents a challenge, sources suggest the Rockets are exploring creative solutions to make a trade feasible. The move would be a true full-circle moment, giving the franchise a welcome addition and creating one of the more compelling storylines in the NBA this season.
First Piper 