The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off the unthinkable on Thursday as they traded for James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets while sending the likes of Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and draft picks the other way. It was basically set in stone that Harden would likely hit free agency this summer, which is why it makes sense he's now opted into his player option with the Sixers following the blockbuster.
Via The Athletic's Shams Charania:
As part of deal, new 76ers star James Harden is opting into his $47.3 million player option on contract for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2022
Harden is the man Daryl Morey long wanted for Simmons, but it didn't seem realistic at this moment in time. However, as Brooklyn continued to struggle, The Beard was evidently not happy with his current situation, as well as Kyrie Irving only being able to play in road games. Now, Joel Embiid gets a legitimate running mate as the Sixers eye a championship run this season.
It basically felt like a foregone conclusion that Harden would be joining Philly sooner or later, given his connections with Morey from their Houston Rockets days. The veteran also voiced his desire to play with Embiid.
With this $47.3 million move, it means he'll be with the Sixers until the end of the 2022/23 campaign at the very least. Philadelphia fans are finally rid of Simmons, who has been a thorn in their side ever since his playoff meltdown. Let's hope Harden is the answer to this team finally winning a title either this season or next.
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