James Harden’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers was certainly one of the biggest moves in the NBA landscape this season. Given how established of a star Harden is, the Beard’s move to the 76ers ticked all the boxes.
Not only would he not have to share the ball with another ball-dominant guard, but he also had an MVP-candidate center in Joel Embiid, who would thrive in pick and rolls, a go-to move for Harden in Rockets. But 6 months later, the trade certainly did not reap the benefits many hoped for, with the 76ers crashing out in the second round of the playoffs.
While Harden looked great in his first week with the team, he had an underwhelming season since then. His playoff performance was even worse. Despite playing almost 40 minutes per game, the 32-year-old averaged a disappointing 18.6 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.
His time till now in Philly might not have been the best, but it seems like ‘The Beard’ is set to continue his journey with the 76ers.
According to Bleacher Report‘s Jake Fisher, the 10-time All-Star is set to sign a short extension with the 76ers.
Two weeks from the beginning of NBA free agency on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, all signs point toward All-Star guard James Harden returning to the Philadelphia 76ers on a shorter-term contract extension, league sources told B/R.
Harden and Sixers leadership are aligned on one clear directive, sources said: The franchise’s best opportunity to compete for a championship starring Joel Embiid, as well as Harden’s optimal opportunity to earn his first NBA ring, resides with Harden playing in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.
Sixers ownership, though, has been resistant to the idea of giving Harden a full four-year maximum contract extension beyond his 2022-23 option season, sources told B/R, or the five-year deal that Harden would be eligible for if he chose to decline his $47.4 million player option for next season. Signing perhaps a two-year extension after his option season to create a new three-year framework would also provide Harden with greater optionality for his own career.
This is certainly big news for Philly fans. Off late, James Harden has been notoriously known for his impatience and asking for a trade after a season or two with a team. But for now, it seems like Harden sees an opportunity to win an NBA title with Embiid and Co.
In order for that to happen, though, the 2018 MVP will have to increase his production with the team. With the 76ers giving up players like Seth Curry, Philly has a slim offense. Harden is certainly one of the key players in the same, given his ability to share and score the ball effectively.
If the Embiid and Harden duo finally works out for the 76ers, Philly has a serious chance to contend for the NBA title next season. But if Harden continues his playoff form, the 76ers might have given too much for too little effect. Will Harden staying in Philly be a win-win for both parties? Only time will tell.
