“Even when Tom Brady kicked the can down the road, he’s constantly getting a influx of cash” - Max Kellerman believes James Harden will want more money by opting out next year
Heading into free agency, Philadelphia 76ers All-Star James Harden was one of the biggest names on the market. After declining his $47 million player option, the former MVP was free to sign whatever contract he wanted. However, he made his intentions clear that he planned to stay in Philly.
After nearly a month, James Harden and the Sixers came to terms on a new two-year $68.6 million deal. He took close to a $15 million pay cut so the front office could bolster the roster around him and Joel Embiid.
Harden will make $33M for the 2022-2023 season, and has the player option for $35.6M in 2023-2024, sources tell ESPN. He can move right back into free agency next summer and negotiate another new deal. twitter.com/wojespn/status…
While many have applauded James Harden for decision to put the team first, one analyst proposed a different idea. On a recent episode of ESPN's 'KJM,' Max Kellerman brought up the idea of the star guard taking less money now to command a bigger payday down the road.
With the second year of his deal being a player option, Harden could become a free agent again this time next year. This type of move draws comparisons to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who constantly restructured his contract so the front office could improve the cast of players around him.
"Even when Tom Brady kicked the can down the road, he's always constantly getting an influx of cash. But, to be fair, Brady doing that allowed the Patriots to be great for a long long time."
James Harden should be applauded for contract decision
No matter what his intentions are, James Harden should be applauded for the decision he made this offseason. In an era where stars are building a reputation for holding their teams hostage, he went in a different direction.
At this point in his career, Harden made it clear that winning is his top priority. He has done just about everything a player can do in his career, except win a championship. Now, because of the sacrifice he made, the Sixers were able to go out and add veterans like Danuel House Jr. and P.J. Tucker. Armed with a better group of role players, Joel Embiid and James Harden have all the pieces they need to lead Philly deep into the postseason.
If money was the main goal, then Harden could have simply opted into his player option and played out the season on a one-year deal.
1 minute of James Harden’s best DIMES as a Philadelphia 76er 👀
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Imagine what he’ll look like this upcoming season! 🔥 https://t.co/KdGSSYBU0E
It's rare for a player to leave that much earning potential on the table, which speaks volumes to how committed Harden is to the Sixers. Thanks to his decision, he is arguably in the best position of his career to chase the ring that has eluded him so far.