Facing a decision on a $47.37MM player option for the 2022/23 season, star guard James Harden appears likely to pick up that option and then agree to a short-term extension with the Sixers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said today during an appearance on SportsCenter (video link; hat tip to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice).
“James Harden is headed toward opting in to that $47 million player option, and then extending by perhaps by as many as two more years, at a significant number with the Sixers,” Wojnarowski said. “Likely something short of a max contract, but still a significant commitment.”
Wojnarowski’s report is similar to one Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report published last week. Fischer said that “all signs point toward” Harden remaining with the 76ers on a short-term deal rather than signing a four- or five-year contract.
If Harden were to pick up his option and sign an extension in the coming days, he’d be eligible to receive up to about $101.95MM over two years, with his option salary bringing the three-year total to approximately $149.3MM. However, given Woj’s suggestion that an extension may fall a little short of a maximum-salary contract, the actual number would likely come in below that.
Even if Harden is willing to accept less than the max on his extension, it wouldn’t affect the Sixers’ salary cap situation for 2022/23, since his $47MM+ option salary would still be on the books in an opt-in-and-extend scenario.
Harden has until June 29 to officially finalize a decision on his player option. The 32-year-old would become an unrestricted free agent if he declines his option.
47m for 1 season. LMFAO
RIP.
Oddly enough I think the best solution is a sign and trade with the Nets for Kyrie.
Kyrie is the reason he wanted out of Brooklyn so he’d be thrilled.
Interesting
If not
Which team will have salary cap to sign Beal and Irving?
There are always Knicks and Lakers?
Always
I know it’s doubtful Harden would be benevolent but what if he opted out and then signed a 3/$100 mil. Would that lower the salary cap by $14 mil 22/23, the difference between $47 mil – $33.3?
Yeah, if he opts out, his starting salary could be anything between the minimum and the maximum (with subsequent raises no higher than 8%). Assuming he opts in, next season’s salary is locked in at $47.37MM.
Why don’t the teams Harden plays on win more often?
Serious question – I’m not personally a fan of any of the teams he’s been on, but as a fan of basketball I have noted that teams he is on often fall short of expectations.
Chris Paul was hurt when they had their best chance against the Warriors.
While Harden was in Houston he would sulk and pretty much stand by the half court line when things weren’t going his way
By the time harden left Houston he wasn’t the same player, he was overweight and had a hamstring problem. He’s a great playmaker he just doesn’t score like he used to, mainly because they stopped calling fouls every time he would raise his arm into defenders
Pick your favorite team and favorite player, the end of all these supermax deals and possible extensions are all Ugly. At the start everyone is like sweet resigned our guy and then they are Westbrick and Wall.
Hard to believe
Maybe the NBA needs a senior league with about five teams in it… N. S. E. W. and C. for central, capitol, or Cali.
They would be better off going after Beal.
True but with the haul they gave up to get Harden for half a year it makes no sense to give up on him now. I do agree it’s an overpay for what he brings to the table at this point. Blame it on Moreys infatuation with Harden
Put aside the emotions and look at the numbers and results and ask yourself, “Is this guy really worth almost 50 MILLION dollars?”