Now that the NBA Finals are in the books, basketball rumors are circulating as fast as ever. This includes James Harden, who has a player option for $35.6 million, which he must decide on by the 29th of June.
Signs point to Harden opting out of his contract, where he’ll immediately become one of the best free agents available this summer. Despite being set to turn 34 in August, there’s a sense Harden can land a contract paying much more than his current projected rate. Some have even suggested he could re-up for four years and up to $200 million this offseason.
Rumors have run rampant, linking Harden back to Houston, where he spent 8.5 seasons. While the Rockets have hope of being a competitor, there’s no guarantee a 22-win team can pull off a leap to the playoffs in one season. Harden’s time is winding down, and he has yet to win his first NBA championship ring.
The latest from NBA insider Marc Stein suggests Harden could very well decide to stay put in Philadelphia, running it back with reigning MVP Joel Embiid as Nick Nurse takes over coaching duties. Here’s what Stein had to share in his latest:
“There have been some rumbles this week that, despite the undeniably strong lure that a return to Houston holds for Harden, he is said to be giving renewed consideration to staying put.”
As mentioned, while the draw of heading back to the Rockets and trying to help jumpstart their contending effort may be tempting, the 76ers are already a playoff team, and they can offer Harden more money anyway since they have his bird rights.
The idea of Harden picking up where he left off in Houston is attractive. Still, he could be using the Rockets as leverage to get the contract he desires in Philadelphia with longtime pal and Sixers boss Daryl Morey.
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