James Harden turned down his player option last week in order to give the Philadelphia 76ers more flexibility to sign players around him and Joel Embiid. But, it appears The Beard is finally nearing a new extension with the Sixers and an announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.

Per Woj on Sportscenter during Tuesday morning's broadcast:

“You can expect Harden and his representative and Daryl Morey in Philly to really sit down and hammer that deal out here, perhaps as soon as the next 24 hours,” Wojnarowski said.

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The Sixers guard had a $47.4 million option and by declining it, Daryl Morey and the front office have a lot more financial flexibility. It's no secret that Harden wanted a max extension but after he performed in the playoffs, it feels unlikely.

That being said, Philly is clearly committed to moving forward with Harden as he heads into his first full season with the team. The Beard was seen putting in work already this offseason in the lab as he looks to bounce back in 2022-23. To be honest, the fact that Harden was willing to take less money in order for the Sixers to bring in more depth speaks to his character and desire to win with this organization.

Harden averaged 22 points, 10.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game in the 2021-22 campaign but those numbers dipped substantially in the postseason. The Beard has been working closely with assistant coach Sam Cassell this summer to improve his game and get in better shape.

The Sixers have already made a splash in free agency, signing defensive mainstay PJ Tucker and Danuel House Jr. Tucker was an ex-teammate of Harden's in Houston, too.