James Harden agrees on a two-year deal, including a player option, to return to the Philadelphia 76ers
It’s now official. James Harden is coming back to Philadelphia. After weeks of discussions, the veteran guard has agreed to terms with the 76ers to return to Philly on a two-year deal, including a player option.
Harden will make $33M for the 2022-2023 season, and has the player option for $35.6M in 2023-2024. The contract looks good on both sides, giving Harden the opportunity to move back into free agency next summer and negotiate another new deal.
James Harden is committed to bringing a championship to the 76ers
The deal is in line with what was expected from the star and the team. Harden could have very easily gotten more out of the Sixers had he chosen to play hardball, however this is a team friendly contract leaves the Sixers room to continue to wheel and deal in free agency.
After Harden declined the $47.4 million player option for the 2022-2023 season at the start of NBA free agency, the 76ers were able to use their full mid-level exception on free agent PJ Tucker and the bi-annual exception to sign Danuel House Jr.
James Harden has been very clear about his desire to win a championship.
“I had conversations with [Sixers president of basketball operations] Daryl [Morey], and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players,” Harden said. “I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over. This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. That’s all that matters to me at this stage. I’m willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that.”
Of course, the deal has been considered a “sure thing” since free agency started and Harden has been seen regularly practicing with Tyrese Maxey, while also debuting his own wine with Joel Embiid in attendance and partying with Michael Rubin in the Hamptons.
Still certainly a relief to 76ers fans that Harden is now officially running it back Philly.
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