Only a few minutes later Philadelphia 76ers Defeated by Miami heat In the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference, James Harden received a brief question from a reporter. Harden, a pending free agent, will reduce wages in the short term to help the Sixers build the rest of the roster around Harden. Joel Embiid of MVP Runner Up?
Harden answered the question diplomatically at the time, saying: “I am here. [I’ll do] Whatever you need to help this team keep growing, and put us there with their best. We are about to win the championship. That is the goal. Whatever looks like that. ”
Harden’s comments looked good at the time, but many were skeptical that he would actually follow them.But, as we now know, Harden did respond to his words. Reject his $ 47 million player option Instead of the 2022-23 season Agree to new two-year contract It will pay him $ 32 million next season and will include player options for the second season.
Harden, 32, has created financial flexibility for the Sixers this summer by cutting $ 15 million from what he has to pay next season. This is the flexibility the team has used to enhance their roster with additions such as PJ Tucker and Danuel House. Such a signature would not have been possible without Harden leaving bread on the table. In addition, the organization was able to maintain Harden while avoiding long-term commitment to older players. For these reasons alone, Harden’s New Deal should be seen as a major victory for Philadelphia.
Given his performance during the postseason (18.6 points, 10.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds per game), the Sixers could have had some reservations regarding Harden’s long-term outlook as an influential player. There is sex. Those reservations are shared by many experts and many fans. The previous league MVP is still very effective as a playmaker and floor spacer. His pure presence on the floor draws defensive attention in a way that none of Embiid’s former teammates have. But he didn’t seem to be the same deadly scorer as he was when he was a perennial MVP candidate. Houston Rockets..
Harden wasn’t necessarily an athletic high flyer, but occasionally seemed sluggish during his first season at the Sixers, sometimes showing a noticeable lack of bursts. He had a hard time blowing off the defenders around him, as well as defeating the defenders around the rim. Without that burst as an aggressive attacker he showed in Houston for 10 years, Harden was forced to rely heavily on three pointers and free throws for his point production.
If the Sixers sign Harden a major extension of four or five years, such a transaction could be the responsibility of the back end.Overcommit to the player [potentially] Decreasing skill sets can be very costly as it can hinder the team’s ability to improve in the future. The team hedged it by signing a 1 + 1 contract with Harden. This gives you more opportunities to see what he looks like after the entire off-season of training. This should help the team get a better idea of how much premium gas Harden has left in the proverbial tank.Remember, he was dealing with the hamstring injury he suffered as a member Brooklyn Nets Throughout the last offseason, he certainly didn’t get as many opportunities to train at the high levels he wanted, which could have influenced his performance.
“I’ve been trying to get the basketball season course right for the second year in a row,” Harden said in May. “No. Do you know what that means? I was rehabilitating all the time last summer. I was a little frustrated because I wasn’t used to doing that, but that’s what I’m doing. I’m happy now. Straight. Have a nice summer and do what we need to do to get better next year. ”
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In addition to what Harden looks like physically, the Sixers are now [much] A larger sample size to determine how well Harden fits with Embiid. Early returns for the pair were promising, especially in pick and roll, but were limited. Therefore, instead of trapping Harden as Embiid’s companion in the foreseeable future, the Sixers will evaluate and go from there during the next season. Hopefully the Sixers will be able to re-sign Harden next summer (or next summer). If not, both may break up along the same timeline. In this situation, they are properly placed just in case.
It’s a solid deal for the Sixers, but it also makes sense for Harden. Sure, he loses money in the short term, but if he chooses the option of the 23-24 campaign, he secures more overall income for the duration of his contract. In addition, this deal basically gives him the opportunity to increase his own stock. If he comes out and has a great season and shows that his skills haven’t diminished, he will be in a position to secure another big payday next summer. If not, he will at least secure additional seasons at a reliable and expensive price.
Sure, Harden could have been able to squeeze more money out of the situation, but there are other reasons why the deal is beneficial to him-that is, the Sixers continue to vie for him for his first title. The fact that it gives a great opportunity-and Harden, who already has a career income of over $ 250 million, has revealed that it is of utmost importance to him at this point in his career. Also, as Harden did here, putting the team first helps fight the protracted “he’s selfish” story.
Time will reveal how good Harden’s New Deal is really, but for now it certainly looks wise for both sides.
