Sixers: 3 important factors in potential James Harden pursuit

The Sixers are expected to pursue James Harden in the offseason, with the Ben Simmons trade saga now inextricably linked to Brooklyn’s potentially disgruntled superstar. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and the Harden smoke is equivalent to the smoke found in your local Hookah lounge. It’s time to gear up for another few months of Harden speculation in Philadelphia.

That being said, what factors should fans be wary of when diving into the murky waters of James Harden trade/free agency speculation? We’ve already been through one stretch of Harden hopefulness, only for him to end up in Brooklyn. Do the Sixers actually have a chance here.

Let’s break it down.

Important factors in Sixers’ potential James Harden pursuit: Contract

James Harden has a player option for $47.4 million next season. He will probably decline and subsequently enter free agency in search of an even more lucrative long-term contract. The Nets can offer the most money and the longest contract (five years, opposed to four years).

The Sixers can, however, offer a substantial amount: four years, $200.1 million, with one major complication. The Sixers can’t actually offer that unless they clear the requisite cap space. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Philadelphia would need to shed roughly $61-65 million to pay Harden outright. Otherwise, it would require a sign-and-trade, which means convincing Brooklyn to help facilitate Harden’s departure to a division rival.

Another possible (if not entirely likely) iteration would be Harden picking up his player option, then getting traded to Philadelphia with one year on his deal. That would prevent Philadelphia from being hard-capped, but given his age and injury history, one has to expect Harden will want the security of four or five years at maximum money.