All signs point to James Harden staying with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. The only question is for how long he will sign his contract extension. It's a big conundrum for the Sixers, who are running out of time to build a contender around Joel Embiid.

After pushing in all their biggest chips for Harden at the trade deadline, the Sixers failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs yet again. Harden's diminishing abilities as a scorer are a key reason why. He isn't worth a max contract anymore but Philadelphia doesn't have much leverage. Harden has the accolades and ability to enter free agency, which allows him to drive up the price for his services.

However, Philadelphia may be getting a massive assist from Harden in his contract negotiations. Following reports that Harden may take a little less than a max contract, a new report states that he may actually sign a short-term deal with Philadelphia. It would still be worth tens of millions but it won't be over the course of four-or-so seasons. Rather, it would most likely last just two or three.

Harden is expected to pick up the $47.4 million player option for next season. After that, he may be willing to sign an extension for less than four years. His willingness to do is amazing news for the Sixers.

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2 reasons James Harden signing a short-term extension would be best-case scenario for Sixers

2. Trading Harden is actually possible

After the first few years (if not the first few seconds) of a new max contract for James Harden, which would be worth roughly $270 million, the Sixers would be virtually stuck with him. It would instantly rival the nearly unmovable contracts of John Wall, Russell Westbrook and fellow Sixer Tobias Harris. For a contract worth only a few years, that isn't the case.

The Sixers trading Harden soon after he agreed to a more team-friendly deal would be a tough look, especially from Daryl Morey. Still, the NBA is a cutthroat business and Philly has a championship to compete for. If Harden has to be traded, it would be much easier to do if he is on a shorter deal. Although the average annual value may be inflated because of the shorter length of the deal, it would be easier for an opposing team to take in a potential trade.

Embiid needs a reliable co-star to help him bring a title to Philadelphia. Harden, as evidenced by his playoff failures last season and in years past, does not inspire much confidence that he can be that. The Sixers have to be ready to bring in another star, even sacrificing Harden if it comes to it.

Harden may be able to bounce back next season. He was dealing with hamstring troubles in the playoffs and spent much a big portion of the season carrying the Brooklyn Nets. It's possible that he plays well enough that the Sixers are comfortable riding out his contract. Of course, possibly doesn't mean likely. A short-term deal would give the Sixers a way out. It also may be helpful for the aging star.

1. It incentivizes Harden even more

Harden's incredible NBA career has one glaring omission: a championship. Although he is motivated enough to win one with the Sixers, not giving him extra years of his contract may present a challenge to him that he is ready to take. On a shorter deal with the Sixers, Harden would be playing for his future place in the league in addition to a title.

The Sixers and Harden realize they need each other, which makes it seem almost certain that The Beard will be back in the City of Brotherly Love. The possibility exists, though, that Philadelphia eventually decides they don't want him. If he is traded and enters free agency, he will have to prove that he is worth another big contract.

If Harden signs a max contract after opting into his player option, he would enter free agency next after the 2026-27 season, when he will be 37 years old. His time in the league may very well be up by then. However, by taking a shorter deal he could go back into free agency in his mid-30s and perhaps sign another sizable deal. He would also have the freedom to choose a new home sooner if things don't work out in Philly rather than being kept there as his deal becomes more and more untradable.

The chances of Harden performing that well are not likely but the possibility at least remains. It would be the ultimate self-bet but Harden seemingly has enough faith in himself to consider it. For all parties involved, a short-term extension is the right way to go.