James Harden picks up player option after trade to 76ers

Ryan Conway
February 10, 2022
Sixers
0 Comments

It looks like James Harden will be sticking around for a bit. The Sixers’ newly-acquired piece picked up his player option for next season, keeping him in Philly until 2023, according to Shams Charania.

As part of deal, new 76ers star James Harden is opting into his $47.3 million player option on contract for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2022

Harden is getting some serious cheddar.

The option will pay him $47.3 million which, while an eye-watering fee, is commensurate with the talent he brings to the roster. It’s clear he’s excited to chase a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris for the next season and a half.

The decision to opt-in gave Sixers brass reassurance to get the deal done, as it’s easier to justify parting ways with extra assets for more years of control over an All-Stat caliber player. Plus, it’s given fans license to go all-in on Harden, seeing as he’ll be in town for more than half a season.

Philadelphia now has the elite ball-handler they’ve needed and a second star next to Joel Embiid.

76ers fans could see Harden make his debut with the team this weekend, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

Never forget what this man put us through during the deadline: