Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden Sources told ESPN that he declined his $47.3million option to become a free agent and decided not to pursue it.
Harden believes there is still a chance of Harden negotiating a new deal to give the Sixers flexibility in roster building and free agency, including the $10.5million exception.
The Sixers could use the opt-out to reshape their bench. This includes the full mid-level exception, $4.1million bi-annual exception, and sign-and trades.
Harden, 32 years old, averaged 22 points per game and 10.3 assists in 65 games played with the Brooklyn Nets After being sent from Brooklyn, Philadelphia to the blockbuster trade that sent them there, and Philadelphia this season. Ben Simmons The opposite direction.
However, his arrival didn’t make things any easier for Philadelphia in the playoffs. The 76ers lost the second round for the fourth consecutive year and failed to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the third time.
Harden was only there for one year after his eight-year stint in Houston. Harden was then sent to Brooklyn by the Nets to pick up future draft assets. Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving.
Instead, the trio’s playoff run in their first season ended in defeat to the eventual champion. It could have been attributed to Irving’s sprained foot and Harden’s hamstring injury. Milwaukee Bucks
After Irving’s injury, Harden’s relationship to the team began to deteriorate. He was finally shipped to Philadelphia, where he was reunited to Daryl Morey, his president of basketball operations.
This report was contributed by Tim Bontemps, ESPN.