Potentially a free agent this summer, James Harden has finally made a decision with the Sixers. If there was no question for him to leave, the back still had to find an agreement with his leaders for the future: it is now a mission accomplished in Pennsylvania.
Arrived at the Sixers last February, James Harden did not really assume its status. With a disordered shoot and a sometimes questionable attitude on the floor, the Bearded man failed to raise his game at the most important moment of the season: the playoffs. While Joel Embiid was injured, Harden failed to carry his team, enough to receive a lot of criticism. Worse ? Some called for his departure this summer.
James Harden is staying with the Sixers!
Like other players, the former Rocket has a player option for next year, which he decided to refuse at the end of June. He had therefore been a free agent since the 30th, but he had no intention of leaving. His goal was clear: to return to the Sixers with a lower salary, to help its leaders recruit bigger players. They were able to achieve that goal with PJ Tucker, but the summer isn’t over yet. Nevertheless, this Friday, Harden reached an agreement to stay in Pennsylvania.
Sources: James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut for next season that allowed Philadelphia to elevate roster — with sole focus on a championship run in 2023. Harden opted out of his $47M player option and now plans to sign a new two-year deal with a player option in Year 2.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022
James Harden is giving up $15 million next season to allow Philadelphia to improve their roster with the sole aim of winning the championship in 2023. Harden turned down his $47 million player option and plans to sign a new contract for two years with a player option for the second year.
Clearly, a nice sacrifice for Harden, who wants to give himself the chance to win a title with the Sixers. Whatever we say, we can’t say that the player is not putting his team forward: his objective is clear for next year.
We have been able to confirm it for a few weeks, since Harden does not laugh in training. He follows a very intense program (to see here), allowing him to lose weight and return to his best level with the Sixers.
Everyone around Harden has understood the focus on his workout regimen this offseason and a championship goal for 2022-23. His close relationships with those around the organization, including Michael Rubin and Daryl Morey, played a major role in trust between the two sides. https://t.co/q1eDY9xrDy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022
Everyone around James Harden understands that he has been focusing on his training regimen this offseason and his desire to win the title in 2022/23. His close relationships with people in the organization, including Michael Rubin and Daryl Morey, played a major role in building trust between the two parties.
Between his return to intensive and ideal training, his sacrifice at 15 million dollars, it is clear that James Harden has the odds in his favor to win the title next season with the Sixers, alongside Joel Embiid. A strong gesture for the Barbu, who seems to have reached a milestone. Welcome back.
