James Harden will re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal with a player option in the second season, according to Shams Charnia. The deal represents a $15 million pay cut from the $47.3 million maximum salary he could have earned from his player option for this season. Harden arrived in Philadelphia at the trade deadline last season in a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and draft picks. While his tenure in Philadelphia got off to a good start, the season ended in extremely disappointing fashion for the former MVP. His burst has seemingly left him after injuries and a poor season in Brooklyn, and in the team’s season-ending loss to the Miami Heat, Harden attempted just two shots in the second half as the 76ers were shut out at home. Considering his age (33 in August), many assumed that Harden was no longer even guaranteed a significant contract. Check the opt-in box to confirm you want to join.
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He’s still getting one, but the pay cut he’s taking will allow the 76ers the flexibility they need to sign former Rockets teammate PJ Tucker to the non-taxable mid-level exception and Danuel House Jr. for the six-month exemption. Many players talk about a big game about sacrificing money to win. Harden actually does it here. Of course, he also gains an extra year of financial security with this player option. Both the Nets and Rockets offered Harden long-term extensions, but he declined on both fronts. That allowed him to make his way to the 76ers, and with his value declining, taking a multi-year deal at even a small discount reduced some of the risk of further decline. The 76ers are hoping Harden can stave off that decline for a little while longer. With Tucker and House joining a team that already had MVP candidate Joel Embiid, star player Tyrese Maxey and incumbent max player Tobias Harris, a healthy and committed Harden could still carry them deep into the playoffs. The 76ers have a short title window ahead of them. Harden’s deal helps them maximize it.
