James Harden Expected To Opt In, Receive Extension From Sixers

James Harden is expected to opt in to his $47.1 million contract and receive a “significant commitment” from the 76ers to keep him, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Harden’s return is mostly considered a formality, but the years and numbers of his next deal were a bit of a mystery. It appears now, however, there is the framework of an official agreement in place.

Harden indicated following the season that he fully intended to return to Philadelphia.

“I’ll be here,” he told reporters after the 76ers were eliminated by the Heat in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

He was acquired from the Nets at the trade deadline as part of the Ben Simmons trade, and had a fairly uneven run with the 76ers. But there were moments of promise — and word is, 76ers head of basketball operations is determined to bring in a third star to pair with Harden and Joel Embiid.

That includes exploring the trade market, and as we’ve relayed, perhaps making key contributors such as Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle and Danny Green available.

Harden, 32, averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 21 regular-season games with Philadelphia.