Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers have some interesting decisions to make heading into their first offseason with superstar duo Joel Embiid and James Harden on the roster. With the Beard’s player option looming, he’s hinted throughout the season at signing his $47.4 million option for the 2022-23 season, becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2023, and renegotiating with Philly then.
On First Take on Thursday, Brian Windhorst reported that it is highly likely that Harden will opt-in to his player option.
In the event that Harden signs a super-max contract with the Sixers in the 2023 offseason, Philly would be paying the former MVP $61 million in his final year at the age of 37.
Trailing 0-2 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals to the Miami Heat, Harden has averaged 18.8 points, 9.4 dimes, and 5.4 boards on 40.2 percent shooting from the field. With Joel Embiid remaining out for tonight’s Game 3 despite clearing concussion protocols, the Sixers will rely on Harden’s playmaking and increased shot production to climb back from their series deficit.
