76ers guard James Harden says new contract was the right decision
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden believes that signing his new contract with the team was the right decision. After the Sixers’ preseason win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 10-time All-Star made his point in the locker room.
“It was the right decision not only for me, but also for our organization, giving us a really good opportunity to put the right pieces together,” Harden said.
Head coach Doc Rivers would agree. He emphasizes the importance of communication and trust in teammates in the practice video below.
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“You do things, you run businesses on and off the court, and the money always comes back,” the 2017-18 MVP continued. “So, I am lucky and blessed to be in the position I am in, and I will continue to be me.”
In July, the point guard signed a two-year, $68.6 million contract with the 76ers. He nearly took a $14 million pay cut by turning down his $47.4 million option from his previous contract.
Of course, Harden can opt out of his contract next summer to sign a maximum deal with the team.
76ers guard James Harden is convinced signing his new contract was the right move
“No, but guess what? I don’t care,” Harden explained when asked if he regretted taking less money. “There is like a stereotype [of Harden] where people always want to talk.”
“People don’t really know me, so they feel like they can say anything. One thing I won’t do is pay attention to them. I will not say anything, media-wise, publicly.”
“I don’t care, because I feel comfortable and confident in the things I do on and off the court.”
Unless his relationship with the Sixers deteriorates, Harden is likely to sign a maximum security contract in 2023. The two-time scoring champion will earn million in the 2022-23 season.
look back at the preseason game 👌
📹 game highlights vs. cavas | 10.10.22
press by @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/o0vM5Az7h0
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 11, 2022
More importantly, signing Harden to this new deal helped the 76ers retain salary-cap space. During the offseason, general manager Elton Brand signed PJ Tucker to a three-year, $33 million contract. Additionally, Daniel House signed a two-year, $8.42 million deal.
Not to mention, the Memphis Grizzlies traded De’Anthony Melton to the 76ers for Danny Green and David Roddy. Last month, free agent center Montrezl Harrell also agreed to a two-year, $5.22 million deal with the team.
Deep down, James Harden cares about winning a championship. Fans and NBA artists alike have criticized the 13-year veteran countless times in the past for being a selfish player.
However, the 33-year-old is down in his professional career, at least when it comes to scoring. He failed to win a championship with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City. So playing for the 76ers could be his last chance to cash out.
