Philadelphia 76ers not expected to offer James Harden max contract

James Harden just wrapped up his 14th NBA season. We’ve seen the ten-time All-Star display his value in a multitude of ways, whether it’s leading the league in scoring like he did three consecutive times from 2018-20 or topping all NBA players in assists, as he did in 2017 and most recently this past season, Harden can do it all with the ball.

Sure, now 33 years old, Harden’s days of being a team’s leading shot-taker may be over, but he’s still shown the ability to take over when the situation calls for it, as we saw against Boston in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semis.

Now, Harden heads into the offseason weighing the decision to exercise his $35.6 million player option to stay with the 76ers for a third season or enter the free agency market. Chances are, Harden could still land a very lucrative offer that tops what he’s set to earn on his player option.

Previous reports suggested Harden could opt out and sign a four-year contract worth more than $200 million this summer. If so, that offer won’t be coming from the Sixers, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

“The 76ers have not shown an appetite to pay Harden the max. That’s why they asked him to take a pay cut last year. The Rockets have the cap space. Do they do it? You know, there’s been a very hard rumor out there in the NBA about Harden’s intent to go back to Houston and it makes you wonder if it’s being sold a little bit too hard and that’s certainly something that people are considering. The Sixers are not really motivated to pay him that max salary if they don’t think anybody else is gonna do it.”
NBA insider Brian Windhorst on James Harden’s free agency

Joel Embiid sounds like a teammate on board with keeping Harden in town. As mentioned shortly after the team’s elimination from the playoffs, Embiid would like to find ways to improve the team around himself and Harden. Since then, we’ve seen coach Doc Rivers relieved of his duties. Depending on the team’s next coach, and ongoing contract discussions, Harden could be the next one to pack his bags.