James Harden said after the 76ers lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals that he would return to Philadelphia next season. Turns out it will cost him.
The 32-year-old former NBA MVP reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the 76ers on Friday — and is taking a $15 million pay cut through the 2022-23 season, according to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania .
The deal, which includes a second-year player option, comes after Harden declined his $47.4 million player option on Wednesday, a move seen as Harden’s desire to give Philadelphia more salary cap space and flexibility of the lineup to improve the pieces around him and NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid.
It paid off this week. Harden’s pay cut allowed Philadelphia to sign free agent PJ Tucker and re-sign Daniel House Jr. Tucker, who came from Miami, agreed to a three-year, fully guaranteed $33.2 million contract. House’s deal is reportedly for two years and $8.5 million.
James Harden has reportedly re-signed with the 76ers for two more years.AP
The moves also give the 76ers some familiarity — Harden, Tucker and House played together for three seasons in Houston from 2017-20, with current 76ers president Daryl Morey also serving as the Rockets’ GM during that time.
Harden came to Philadelphia at the trade deadline last season in a blockbuster deal with the Nets for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond plus draft picks. Although Harden averaged 21 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 21 games for the 76ers, there were concerns about his age and commitment, as well as his reluctance to be aggressive, especially in the playoffs.
In the 76ers’ season finale loss to the Heat in Philadelphia, Harden had just two shots in the second half.
“I’ll be here,” Harden said after the loss. “Whatever allows us to continue to grow and get better and do the things we need to do to win and compete at a high level.”
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