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It's a fair assumption to say that James Harden's first half-season with the Philadelphia 76ers didn't go so well. The team acquired him during a midseason trade in a clear win-now move. Unfortunately for them, injuries to Joel Embiid and playoff misfortunes cost them a title shot yet again.
A big talking point amongst Sixers fans was James Harden's upcoming contract decision. The former MVP had a massive $47.4 million player option for 2022-23. Had Harden opted into that deal, it would've severely hamstrung the front office's options in the off-season.
Thankfully for them, Harden decided to decline his player option, all while still committing to the Sixers org. Adrian Wojnarowski talked about this move, saying that Harden orchestrated this in order to help the front office acquire better pieces around him and Embiid. (via Get Up)
âWhat Harden has really talked to the Sixers about was trying to do what he could to allow [the front office] to go out and surround he and Joel Embiid with the kind of players ⌠that they felt they lacked in the playoffs.â
"What Harden has really talked to the Sixers about was trying to do what he could to allow [the front office] to go out and surround he and Joel Embiid with the kind of players ⌠that they felt they lacked in the playoffs."
â@wojespn pic.twitter.com/P986r99u9f
â Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 30, 2022
A big reason why the Sixers struggled mightily in the playoffs last season was their severe lack of depth at the wing positions. Most of their players at that spot were specialists, rendering them nearly useless in the playoffs. It makes sense for the Sixers to try and get a better piece in free agency.
Thankfully for them, Harden is now in a position where he can sacrifice some money to get a shot at a ring. Sixers fans are now hoping that the front office gets all the pieces they need AND Harden holds up his end of the deal this time around.
