The NBA has launched an investigation into possible tampering and early contact centered around the Philadelphia 76ers summer free agency class. james harden, PJ Tucker When Danuel Housea source told ESPN on Friday.
One of the central elements of the league’s investigation included questions about Harden’s decision to decline a $47.4 million player option for 2022-23 and take a salary cut on a new two-year, $68 million deal. said the source. Across the league, there were questions about whether future contracts already had handshake agreements in place, which would violate collective bargaining rules.
Sixers Basketball Operations President Darryl Morey has already begun answering questions from league attorneys, sources said. The investigation is expected to include interviews with team officials and with organizations that submit electronic communications and phone records to league investigators. Teams were not allowed to converse with agents or players about free agency contracts before free agency began at 6:00 p.m. on June 30.
Harden is guaranteed $33 million for the 2022-23 season and retains a player option for 2023-24, meaning he can become a free agent and negotiate another new contract.
Harden, a 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA first-team guard, told Morey he wanted to do his part to strengthen the Sixers’ roster and give them a better chance of competing for a championship. I say I told you The option for a player he declined last month could also give the organization the flexibility to sign a deal once the season begins.
Tucker (3 years, $30 million) and House (2 years, $8.4 million) have agreed on the maximum contract available under mid-level and semi-annual extensions. Harden, Tucker and House previously played for the Rockets under Morey.
After last year’s investigation, the NBA stripped the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat of their second-round picks in an attempt to make early contact with free agency. Lonzo Ball When Kyle Lowryrespectively, in 2021.
In 2019, the NBA increased the team’s maximum fine to $10 million for such cases, adding the possibility of suspension of team executives, forfeiture of draft picks, and even voiding contracts. established. The possibility of the contract being voided is considered a virtually non-existent threat.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been punished for tampering charges related to Sacramento’s restricted free agency by forfeiting a 2022 second-round pick. Bogdan Bogdanovic In awarding that penalty, the NBA took into account that the Bucks ultimately did not acquire Bogdanovic, who eventually signed with the Atlanta Hawks.
