Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – According to reports, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA star James Harden has been considering a return to the Houston Rockets, yet the athlete himself has seemingly shut the idea – for now.

Harden joined the 76ers in February in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, just a year after forcing his way out of Houston.

The 33-year-old, 10-time All-Star impressed as Philadelphia made the playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Miami Heat, and he re-signed a two-year $68.6 million deal in July.

However, according to ESPN, Harden is open to moving back to the Rockets should he fail to agree to fresh terms with the Sixers after this season is up.

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Yet, Harden himself responded to the reports of his reunion with Houston, and seemingly shut down the topic.

"I'm here," Harden said on Sunday of being with the 76ers. "We’re playing very well, and I don’t know where that report came from but I’m excited to be here. We’re playing very well. We’re continuing to get better."

Harden, who spent eight seasons with the Rockets between 2012 and 2021 and was named the NBA's MVP in 2018, has rediscovered something close to his best form in Philadelphia after struggling to settle in Brooklyn.

His 10.9 assists per game leads the NBA, while he has scored 21.4 points per game.

Harden accumulated 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 21 assists and became the second player in 76ers history with a 20-assist triple-double in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.