We always knew James Harden was returning to the Sixers, but now it’s official. Shams confirmed this afternoon that Harden would sign a two-year deal( with a player option in the second year), taking a 15 million dollar pay cut in the first year. It was a weird feeling amongst the fan base knowing this deal was a lock to happen. We typically start panicking about a player leaving the year before their contract ends, but this was different. Harden could have easily opted into his 47-million-dollar player option. Still, he stayed true to his word, which allowed the Sixers to add some key veterans that were lacking from the team eliminated in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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
I will be the first to admit I don’t understand the NBA salary cap, but I think this leaves the Sixers roughly 5 million dollars under the hard cap. Assuming the roster remains the same, this potentially gives them room for a vet minimum contract. Is anyone interested in a Morris twin? We are so close to making the all-bench lineup Doc proof; let’s go all in. Another interesting nugget is Harden’s bird rights, which(if they have them) would allow them to go over the salary cap to sign Harden next offseason.
