News

James Harden Opting Out Of 76ers Deal, Entering Free Agency

Recent reports suggest that Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden will opt out of his contract with the team to test free agency this offseason. Harden signed a two-year deal with the team in 2021 and would have received $35.6 million in a third-year option.

Following a 2021-22 season in which the 76ers lost to the Miami Heat in the conference semifinals, Harden took a $15 million pay cut in order to make space for the team to build around him and MVP Joel Embiid. The team lost again in the conference semifinals this season, however. Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported that Harden now wants the security of multiple years for another competitive team.

“The Houston Rockets have long been a rumored destination, but sources say Harden will only entertain suitors that present a competitive roster and the basketball freedom for the star to be himself,” Haynes reported.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Harden’s stint in Philadelphia was promising at times, as he and Embiid did produce together to maintain the team’s status as a title contender. The Sixers also improved to an extent this year and took the highly touted Boston Celtics to seven games in the postseason. Supporting players did not contribute consistently around the pair, however, and the experiment will now end prematurely.

“I can’t win alone,” Embiid said after the Sixers’ Game 7 loss. “Me and James [Harden], we just can’t win alone. That’s why basketball is played 5-on-5.”

Harden, now 33, will enter his 17th season in the NBA later this year. The 2018 MVP can no longer produce as he once did but could still be an incredibly valuable addition to a number of teams. If he signs with the Rockets, he would rejoin the team that he has spent most of his career with, often as the lone star falling short of championship glory. The team would likely build around Harden with younger talent to escape the doldrums of the Western Conference.

Patrick Moquin

Recent Posts

Rob Manfred Insists That Athletics Are On Track For 2028 Move To Las Vegas

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided assuring words after questions arose concerning the Athletics' impending move…

23 hours ago

Geno Auriemma Breaks All-Time Coaching Wins Record In UConn Win Over Fairleigh Dickinson

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma made history Wednesday, earning his 1,217th career victory in…

2 days ago

Braves’ Chris Sale Wins N.L. Cy Young Award After Stunning Comeback Season

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was named the 2024 N.L. Cy Young Award winner Wednesday,…

2 days ago

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

3 days ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

4 days ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

4 days ago