Houston Rockets to retire James Harden's No. 13 jersey

March 2 (UPI) -- Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed that superstar guard James Harden will have his No. 13 jersey retired when he ends his NBA career.

"James Harden will always be a Rocket," Fertitta told the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday. "Of course, we will retire his jersey. He made my first three years of owning this franchise unforgettable. The success he brought this franchise over eight years and the memories he created for our fan base/community [are] truly remarkable."

Harden, who was the 11th player in Rockets history to wear No. 13, spent eight-plus seasons in Houston before demanding a trade in January. The Rockets eventually traded the nine-time All-Star selection to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster four-team deal.

In his first year with the Nets, Harden is averaging 25.3 points, 11.3 assists and 8.7 rebounds per game.

The 2018 NBA MVP has averaged 25.2 points, 6.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 863 games with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Rockets and Nets.

The Rockets have retired the uniform numbers of Yao Ming (11), Clyde Drexler (22), Calvin Murphy (23), Moses Malone (24), Hakeem Olajuwon (34) and Rudy Tomjanovich (45), along with the initials of longtime assistant coach and team executive Carroll Dawson.