The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to keep James Harden after their massive blockbuster deal to acquire him at this year's trade deadline. Reports emerged that the Sixers were angling to sign Harden to a three-year contract, only if he opted out of his $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season. On Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski revealed Harden's plan for both the contract and player option.

“James Harden is heading toward opting into that $47 million player option and then extending, perhaps by as many by two more years, at a significant number with the Sixers,” said Adrian Wojnarowski on Sports Center. “He will likely [sign] something short of a max contract, but still a significant commitment from Philly to keep him and for him to stay in Philadelphia.”

Wojnarowski reports that Harden is looking to opt into the $47 million player option, then work on an extension with the Sixers for a “significant number.” Woj stopped short of saying The Beard would be signing a max contract, though it still sounds like Harden won't come cheap for Philly this offseason.

Still, the nature of the deal, potentially being short-term, could work in the Sixers' favor in that they won't be stuck with an aging Harden years down the road.

This could make team-building around Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey a bit easier, provided The Beard doesn't make the Sixers break the bank.

Once Philly settles the Harden situation, all eyes will be on general manager Daryl Morey to see what kind of talent he can bring in this NBA offseason.