James Harden on Wednesday agreed to a new contract to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden believes the team is ready to contend for a National Basketball Association championship.
The 10-time All-Star agreed to a reworked two-year deal worth US$68.6 million (S$94.8 million) last week. As reported by American media, the deal will help the Sixers strengthen their squad.
In a statement announcing Harden’s re-signing, the Sixers did not disclose the specifics of his new contract. In a sensational trade with the Brooklyn Nets in February, Harden joined the Sixers. Harden said he was thrilled with the arrangement.
“This is where I want to be. This is where I want to win, and I think we have the pieces to accomplish that goal. From my first day with the 76ers organization, the team and the fans have helped me feel at home here in Philadelphia. I’m excited to build off of last season and I can’t wait to get out on the court with the guys and start this journey.”
Harden scored 442 points, 149 rebounds, and 220 assists in his 21 games with the 76ers last season.
Sixers’ Coach on Harden’s Deal
Doc Rivers, the coach of the Sixers, applauded Harden for deciding to commit his future to the group. “I couldn’t be happier with James’ decision to commit to our organization. Over the last two years, we have taken major steps toward our ultimate goal of becoming champions. James shares our drive to win a title, and he believes being a 76er gives him the best opportunity to do that.”
According to reports, Harden’s deal, which also contains a US$35.6 million player option for 2023–2024, will pay him US$33 million in the 2022–2023 season. In order to aid the Sixers in bolstering their squad, he refused his US$47.4 million player option for the upcoming campaign.
Draymond Green looking for a Maximum Deal
Draymond Green is requesting a maximum contract extension, The Athletic reported on Wednesday. According to the reports, the franchise has “no plans” to give it to him.
When he becomes available for a new contract on August 3, Green will be seeking a four-year agreement. He will receive salaries of US$25.8 million and US$27.58 million for the upcoming two seasons.
The four-time All-Star might decide to forego his contract for the 2023–24 season. His plan is to sign an unrestricted free agent contract the following summer. Despite wanting to stay with the Warriors, Green, 32, is “ready to explore his outside alternatives to receive the kind of contract he wants,” according to The Athletic.
Additionally, Golden State guards Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole as well as forward Andrew Wiggins is expected to sign new contracts in the not too distant future. If the Warriors decide to pay everyone involved, the luxury taxes might add up.
When the owner of the Warriors referred to the league’s luxury tax as “extremely unfair” last week, the NBA fined Joe Lacob US$500,000. Over $170 million in luxury tax and $346 million in total payroll were paid by the team the previous season.
In 46 games (44 starts) last season, Green averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Since being chosen by the Warriors in the second round of the 2012 draught, Green has contributed 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 685 career games (535 starts). In 2017, he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
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