Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden exercises $35.6 million option, opens trade discussions

Posted : 30 June 2023
According to sources, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has exercised his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season, paving the way for trade discussions between the team and the 10-time All-Star.

The Sixers began exploring potential trades for Harden as it became apparent that he would not decline the option and enter free agency.

Harden, who could have negotiated a new deal with the Sixers as a free agent, instead decided with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey to pursue a trade less than two years after joining the team in a 2022 trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
 
Several teams, including the LA Clippers and New York Knicks, are expected to show interest in acquiring Harden.

While the Sixers are not obligated to trade him, it seems that Harden's focus is on finding a new team for the third time since leaving the Houston Rockets in February 2021.

Although the Sixers could have offered him a lucrative long-term contract in free agency, they were unlikely to commit to such a significant deal.
 
Harden had expressed interest in reuniting with the Rockets, who have ample salary cap space, but Houston's attention has shifted toward pursuing free agent Fred VanVleet from the Toronto Raptors. Harden is hopeful of joining a contending team through a trade.

While no formal talks on a free agent deal can take place until Friday evening, discussions regarding Harden's player option decision were allowed.
 
Last year, Harden sacrificed up to $15 million by signing his current two-year, $68 million deal with the Sixers, including a player option.

This allowed the team to have flexibility in signing other free agents. Harden had an impressive season for the Sixers, averaging 21 points and a league-leading 10.7 assists.

However, Philadelphia was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in seven games during the Eastern Conference semifinals.
 
The acquisition of Harden by the Sixers came after his expressed desire to join the team. Harden and Morey have a longstanding history, having spent nine seasons together with the Rockets.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :