The Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets completed the biggest trade of the season back in February. Brooklyn received Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and multiple draft picks in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap. However, Harden's contract is ending. With the postseason quickly approaching, the Sixers need to figure out what they are paying the ten-time NBA All-Star moving forward.

Daryl Morey and the Sixers acquired Harden in hopes that he would accept less than a max deal once his current one expires. Nothing has been decided yet as the Sixers' season is still going on. They look to force Game 7 with a Game 6 win Thursday night. However, according to Brooklyn Nets player development assistant Amar'e Stoudamire, a minimal deal with Harden is probably in the Philadelphia franchise's best interest.

“If I’m the owner of the Sixers, I cannot commit to giving him a max deal,” Stoudamire said, quotes courtesy of Ahn Fire Digital. “I just don’t see the dedication that I would need to see from my top 75 player. You have to be able to have a certain level of determination and focus on being the best player you can possibly be and also be there for your teammates when they need you the most…If he’s not capable of doing that as a max player, I’m not going to be willing to now give you a max contract if you’re not showing me that you can handle the situation.”

Stoudamire worked with Harden in Brooklyn during the guard's entire career with the Nets. He's seen Harden's work ethic, his on-court performances, and what he prioritizes firsthand.