James Harden had an underwhelming run in the 2023 NBA playoffs. Harden’s inconsistency was one of the crucial reasons behind the 76ers blowing a 3-2 lead vs. the Boston Celtics.
Despite that, recent rumors suggest that Harden is seeking a contract worth more than $200 million over four years this summer if he opts out of his player option. Bleacher Report’s Tyler Conway recently shared his views on it and labeled it a ‘classic case of leverage.’
“Harden’s continued wilting when the lights are brightest, and his general decline as a player makes it a bit of a surprise teams would be willing to fork over $50 million annually,” Conway wrote. “That said, the Sixers don’t have much of a choice. They have no avenue to replace Harden if he walks, and the Rockets’ interest is going to drive the price past the point of his actual market value.”
“What we’re seeing here is a classic case of leverage,” he added.
James Harden averaged 20.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 8.3 APG for the 76ers in the playoffs. These aren’t the numbers that a player worth $50 million annually would average.
But considering the fact that Harden could leave in free agency, he has the leverage to push the 76ers to give me a contract worth more than his actual worth.
James Harden Could Return To The Houston Rockets This Season
James Harden left the Houston Rockets in the middle of the 2020-21 NBA season in hopes of fulfilling his dream of winning an NBA Championship. But Harden is yet to even reach the NBA Finals, let alone lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Over the last few months, Harden has been linked with a return to the Rockets. Initially, many didn’t take it seriously, but after witnessing the 76ers’ early exit from the postseason, the rumors are getting stronger about James Harden donning the jersey of the Rockets.
“The belief among NBA executives is that James Harden will rejoin the Houston Rockets this summer. Sources have said his interest in returning to Houston is mutual and not a ploy to get a lucrative deal out of the Sixers. His mother still lives in the city. He has several business ventures there. And, as one source said, ‘He’s treated like a god in Houston.'”
As of now, there is still no confirmation if Harden wants to leave the Sixers. After all, he played a key role in the firing of Doc Rivers. So it would be a waste if he doesn’t stay with the team for this season and beyond with a head coach of his choice.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
