Perhaps the worst kept secret this season, all-star defender James Harden is returning Philadelphia 76ers.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden and the Sixers have agreed to a two-year, $68.6 million deal, which includes a player option for a second year.
Harden is tipped to make $33 million in 2022-23, with a $35.6 million player option for 2023-24.
The 32-year-old declined a $47.3 million player selection for 2022-23 in June. In early July, reports surfaced that Harden planned to take a $15 million pay cut for next season, giving the Sixers the chance to sign free agents.
In an exclusive interview with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports this week, Harden said he told the Sixers’ GM Daryl Morey to improve the team and give him “whatever is left over.”
So far this season, the Sixers have added several players, including PJ Tucker, Danuel House Jr. and De’Anthony Melton.
After being buying from the Brooklyn Nets in the Ben Simmons, Harden . deal averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 21 regular season games with the Sixers last season. In 12 games after the season, he scored 18.6 points, 8.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds.
