James Harden is widely expected to be back with the 76ers next season, but not likely with a maximum-level contract, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“Nobody in the NBA believes that the Sixers are going to give James Harden a max contract,” Windhorst said on Get Up.
Harden can opt out of his current deal to become a free agent, allowing him to sign a new deal with Philadelphia (or elsewhere). By all accounts, back with the 76ers is where he expected to be.
Harden indicated as much following the season-ending loss to the Heat in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Thursday.
“I’ll be here,” he told reporters.
He went 0-of-2 shooting for zero points in the second half of the 76ers’ season finale. That was similarly poor performance to Ben Simmons in an elimination game against the Hawks a year ago.
While the 76ers think Harden is better for them than Simmons was, they apparently don’t want to break the bank to keep him.
.@WindhorstESPN says to pump the brakes on Harden returning to Philadelphia next season with a max deal.
"Nobody in the NBA believes that the Sixers are going to give James Harden a max contract.” pic.twitter.com/vASDx6p0ek
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 13, 2022
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