Potentially on the market this summer, after a few complicated months with the Sixers, James Harden must make a decision before the end of June. He must accept his player option, or find himself free, with the possibility of signing an extension to Philly. It seems that the Barbu’s future has already been decided.
Arrived last February from the side of the Sixers, James Harden has not managed a big run since his arrival. If the first games quickly looked like a real honeymoon, everything fell apart afterwards. Lack of efficiency in attack, a lot of absence in defense: the Bearded man is far from having regained his best level. Can he still? That remains to be seen, even if Philly wants to keep him in the future. The only problem ? The former Nets player has the option of being free for the summer.
James Harden already fixed on his future!
Indeed, with a player option at 47.4 million next year, Harden can very well refuse it and thus land on the market, free. It would be the worst-case scenario for the Sixers, who didn’t drop many assets on him only to lose him a few months later. The good news, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, is that the Bearded Man obviously plans to stay in Pennsylvania.
We’re two weeks away from free agency, but all signs point to James Harden returning to the Sixers with a short-term extension. The player and the franchise agree on one thing: the best chance of winning a title is for Harden to play for the franchise in the future, alongside Joel Embiid.
Harden will therefore extend his adventure with the Sixers, and even sign a contract extension. This is where it gets slightly more complicated, since the Bearded Man will activate his option, without really any surprises. The following ? It remains a mystery. You should know that James could wait until August 10 to sign an extension, the amount of which may vary. He can extend for two years, touching a total of 149.3 million until 2024/25. He can also refuse his option, and sign a new three-year contract, also reaching 150 million.
A hell of a commitment, but some fears at the Sixers. If the player is going to extend his adventure, the front office does not want to give him the maximum over 5 years, which would be risky for an aging player, and whose level of play is worrying.
The Sixers front office is resistant to giving Harden a 4-year max contract, or even 5 seasons, which Harden will be eligible for if he declines his player option for next season. Signing a two-year extension could open new opportunities for the player regarding his career.
James Harden will continue his adventure with the Sixers, even if the details are still a little unclear. We are going with an option of 47 million next season, then potentially an extension of two additional seasons. For the future? Everything should depend on the collective results of the team.
