James Harden, 76ers close to new deal but contract ‘still in progress’ and not yet finalized, Daryl Morey says

James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers are approaching a new deal.Recently he and the team were reported Agreed on a two-year contract Second Season Player Options and Salary Reductions from $ 47.3 Million to $ 15 Million Possible Salary Reductions for This Season Player Options-Contract Not confirmed yet According to Daryl Morey, president of the basketball business Sixers, the negotiations are “still in progress” and “in a good place.” There is optimism that both sides will reach an agreement in the near future.To tell

Harden arrived in Philadelphia at the closing date of last season, Brooklyn Nets Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, Draft Topic. His stint in Philadelphia started off well, but the season ended in a very disappointing way for the former MVP. His burst seems to have left him after dealing with an injury and poor conditioning in Brooklyn, and at the end of the team’s season. Miami heatHarden tried only two shots as the 76ers were eliminated on the home floor in the second half. Given his age (33 in August), many speculated that Harden would no longer justify a significant contract.

He’s still trying to get one, but the reductions he expects to take give the 76ers the flexibility they need to sign earlier. rocket Teammate PJ Tucker is a mid-level exception for non-taxpayers, and Danuel House Jr. is a twice-yearly exception. Many players talk about big games about sacrificing money to win. Harden is actually doing it here.

Of course, he will get an additional year of financial warranty with player options. Both Nets and Rockets offered Harden’s long-term extension, but he declined in both respects. It allowed him to go to the 76ers, and since his value is declining, taking a multi-year contract with even a small discount will mitigate some of the risk of further declines.

The 76ers hope Harden can stop its decline a little longer. With Tucker and House already joining the team with MVP candidate Joel Embiid, breakout star Tyrese Maxey, and incumbent Max player Tobias Harris, healthy and enthusiastic Harden will carry them deep into the playoffs. Was completed. There is a short title window in front of the 76ers. The new Harden deal helps them maximize it.