James Harden has the intention to return to Rockets.

The Rockets, sources said, have maintained a strong belief that James Harden is open to finishing his career in Houston. In the days leading up to the trade deadline last Thursday, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and James Harden had multiple conversations.

Sources told Yahoo Sports those talks were cordial and focused on James’ commitment to returning to Houston and the type of team he wants to play for. James Harden was reportedly a no-show at Tuesday’s practice, sparking speculation that he might be looking to force his way out of Brooklyn.

However, sources told Yahoo Sports James’ absence had nothing to do with wanting a trade from the Nets and everything to do with wanting to return home to Houston. The James Harden-to-Houston speculation gained even more steam on Wednesday when ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that James Harden was “intensifying his push” to return to the Rockets.

James and Rockets officials have been in contact throughout this entire process and both sides remain optimistic a reunion can be achieved before the start of the season. James is eager to get back to Houston and the Rockets are just as eager to welcome him home.

It’s clear James Harden has his sights set on a return to Houston, and it looks like the Rockets are ready and willing to make that reunion happen. It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds in the coming days.

James’ return to Houston could be the start of something very special for both James and Rockets fans alike. Only time will tell. For now, James Harden is still a Brooklyn Net but his heart appears to be in Houston.