All-Star guard James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut for next season to help the 76ers try to build the roster and make a run at the championship, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Harden declined his $47 million player option and instead will sign a two-year contract, which consists of a player option in the second year, Charania reported. In other words, Harden can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2022-23 if he so desires.
“His close relationships with those around the organization, including Michael Rubin and Daryl Morey, played a major role in trust between the two sides,” Charania wrote.
Harden was acquired from the Nets at the trade deadline as part of the Ben Simmons deal, then had a fairly uneven run with the 76ers. But Philadelphia is hopeful a full training camp will serve him and his teammates well.
“Philadelphia scored a whopping 120.3 points per 100 possessions when Harden was on the court during the regular season, per NBA.com,” noted Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report. “When he sat, that offensive rating dropped to 107.7.”
Given Charania’s report, he will make in the $32-$33 million range next season.
Harden, 32, averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 21 regular-season games with Philadelphia.
“I’ll be here,” Harden told reporters after the Sixers were eliminated by the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals. “Whatever allows us to continue to grow and get better and do the things necessary to win and compete at a high level.”
Since the start of free agency, the 76ers have added P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr., and also acquired De’Anthony Melton on a draft night trade.
Hoops Wire will have more on this story as it develops.
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