Reports: James Harden Declines $47 Million Player Option, Intends To Re-Sign With Sixers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Sixers are getting some much-needed cap space ahead of the start of free agency thanks to James Harden. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Harden will decline his $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and will instead re-up with Philadelphia in free agency.
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden is declining his $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and intends to return on a contract in free agency that gives the team financial flexibility to bolster the roster, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2022
How much and how long Harden re-signs for remains to be seen.
Charania also reports Harden, who battled a hamstring injury last season, has begun working out early this offseason and is focused on winning a championship with the Sixers.
Harden's sole focus: Win a title in Philadelphia next season. Harden returned to his workout and on-court regimen much sooner than usual this offseason, pouring his full focus on 2022-23 and a championship run. https://t.co/8muicTaJx6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2022
The move will give the Sixers flexibility when the negotiating period begins Thursday at 6 p.m.
Harden's team-friendly decision could help the Sixers sign P.J. Tucker. Keith Pompey with the Philadelphia Inquirer reports Tucker is expected to sign a three-year, $30 million deal with the 76ers when free agency begins.