Philadelphia-Philadelphia 76ers officially announced a new deal with veterans on Wednesday James Harden.. The club didn’t reveal the terms in the release, but Harden’s deal was $ 68.6 million over two years, including player options for the 2023-24 season, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Voinaroski last week. Told.
“This is where I want to be. This is where I want to win. I think we have the elements to reach that goal,” Harden said in a statement. “Since the first day in the 76ers organization, the team and fans have helped me relax here in Philadelphia. I’m excited to build up last season and I’m waiting to be on the court with everyone. I can’t finish it, and let’s start this journey. “
Daryl Morey, team president of basketball operations, posted a photo on Instagram of him posing with Harden when the 10 All-Star Guards signed his contract.
“Now this looks like our job” Molly wrote..
Harden’s plans have been clear since the end of the Philadelphia season. He stayed at 76ers and promised to help them get better.
“It was very important to pay less to sign the number of players we need to compete and stand on the final team this year,” Harden said in an interview with The Associated Press this month. Said. “I’m what I’m doing to the organization, the Sixers fans, and to everyone else who supports what we’re trying to achieve and what I’m trying to achieve individually. I wanted to show. “
Harden vowed to return after fighting a protracted hamstring injury after being acquired by Brooklyn Nets, and later by a deal with the Sixers.
“In the last two years, we have taken a big step towards our ultimate goal of becoming a champion,” said Dock Rivers. “James shares our willingness to win the title. He believes that being a 76er gives him the best opportunity to do that. Together, we set goals. We will work tirelessly to achieve it. “
Harden, a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, scored an average of 22 points this season in Brooklyn and Philadelphia. This is the worst result since becoming a starter for the 2012-13 season. He will be 33 years old in August.
Three-time scoring champion Harden told AP he was dissatisfied with spending “less” money to chase back to the Philadelphia championship.
“For other players, that’s the biggest deal,” he said of his low numbers, “but to me it’s like I wasn’t the same James Harden.
The 76ers lost to top-seeded Miami in the second round of the playoffs. Harden had four turnovers, four baskets and did not score in the second half with a decisive Game 6 defeat. They haven’t gone beyond the second round since 2001. Their last NBA Championship came in 1983.
“It’s my own need to come back and be an attacker, first a scorer, then a playmaker,” he said.
Harden has played 942 games (728 starts) in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Houston and Oklahoma City, averaging 24.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
