On Friday, the 32-year-old former NBA MVP reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the 76ers — and is taking a $15 million pay cut through the 2022-23 season, according to The Athletic’s and Stadium’s Shams Charania. The deal, which includes a second-year player option, comes after Harden declined his $47.4 million player option on Wednesday, a move that was seen as Harden’s desire to give Philadelphia more salary cap space and roster flexibility for to improve the pieces. around him and NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid. It paid off this week. Harden’s pay cut allowed Philadelphia to acquire free agent PJ Tucker and re-sign Daniel House Jr. Tucker, who came from Miami, agreed to a three-year, fully guaranteed, $33.2 million contract. House’s deal is reportedly for two years and $8.5 million. James Harden has reportedly re-signed with the 76ers for two more years.AP The moves also give the 76ers some familiarity — Harden, Tucker and House played together for three seasons in Houston from 2017-20, with current 76ers president Daryl Morey also serving as Rockets GM during that time . Harden came to Philadelphia at the trade deadline last season in a blockbuster deal with the Nets for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond plus draft picks. Although Harden averaged 21 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 21 games for the 76ers, there were concerns about his age and commitment as well as a reluctance to be aggressive, particularly in the playoffs. In the 76ers’ season-ending loss to the Heat in Philadelphia, Harden took just two shots in the second half. “I’ll be here,” Harden said after the loss. “Anything that allows us to continue to grow and get better and do what it takes to win and compete at a high level.”
