The long-awaited Sixers news this week has finally broke.

After meeting with Sixers brass in the Hamptons this past weekend, Harden was able to get a deal done after all. Many expected this news to come much earlier this week, however what’s more important is the specifics behind Harden’s new contract.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut this coming season. Doing so, allowed the Sixers to elevate its roster and improve their chances at competing for a championship in 2023. Harden opted out of his $47M player option for this coming season. Harden’s intention is to sign a new two-year deal with a player option in year 2.

The people around James Harden believe in him and his offseason workout regimen. The obvious connections and close relationships with both Michael Rubin and Daryl Morey played a big role in making this contract with the Sixers a reality.

Due to James Harden taking such a significant pay cut, the Sixers could sign P.J. Tucker, Danuel House, and a few other transactions. So the narrative that Harden is a selfish or self-centered person is officially dead now.

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