The eve before free agency hasn’t been a disappointment. For Philadelphia 76ers fans, there was a very interesting bit of news that has come out via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
ESPN Sources: 76ers star James Harden has declined his $47.3M option and become a free agent. He keeps real the possibility of negotiating a new deal that would deliver the Sixers roster-building flexibility in free agency – including use of the full $10.5M exception.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022
This is what most Sixers fans, including myself, have been hoping to this read on Twitter. This isn’t because fans want James Harden to go elsewhere but to give the franchise more financial flexibility heading into free agency.
Harden has opted out of his contract, what does that mean for the Sixers?
To be clear, Harden opting out of his current deal makes it very likely that he will return on a more team-friendly. Bobby Marks of ESPN indicated that if Harden re-signs for a deal in the $37-$38 million range, it would help the Sixers in free agency.
Wojnarowski also made a follow-up tweet stating in it that the move could give the 76ers the following tools in free agency.
- The ability to make a sign-and-trade
- The full mid-level exception (worth $10.5 million)
- The $4.1 million bi-annual exception
Of course, signing P.J. Tucker appears to be the goal for the Philadelphia 76ers and this would help them do that. However, this would help the Sixers in other areas as well. They could add another 3-and-D player on top of Tucker which would certainly improve the depth.
This move by Harden echoes the sentiment he gave after Philly’s playoff run ended where he made it seem like he was team first player. This is the type of sacrifice needed if the 76ers are going to make a title run next season.
This move seriously benefits the Sixers’ chances to improve the roster this offseason and it helps Harden’s image after forcing his way out of two teams in the span of two seasons.