On Thursday, the Philadelphia 76ers saw its post-season run time come to an end, eliminated in six games by not. 1 seed Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
After an early elimination from the knockout stages, significant changes appear to be coming for the 76ers. However, in a press conference on fridayThe 76ers basketball executive chairman Daryl Morey revealed that two key players on the team, point guard James Harden and head coach Doc Rivers, are likely to return next season.
When asked about Harden’s future status, Morey says the team plans to bring the 32-year-old keeper backand they will negotiate with his agent to make it happen.
Harden’s contract has one player options for next season will pay him $47.3 million.
There has been speculation that the Sixers will give Harden a maximum extension; however, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst falters on the idea, saying, “nobody in the NBA believes the Sixers will offer James Harden a maximum contract.”
On the subject Rivers, Morey said “yes” when asked if he can guarantee the veteran coach will return to the team next season, then add“I think he’s a great coach and I enjoy working with him.”
The 76ers finished 51-31 under Rivers in his second season in charge in Philadelphia.
More than two seasons in Philly, the Sixers won 100-54 in the regular season under Rivers’ leadership. They won each season but failed to make it past the second round, with a score of 13-11.
