The Sixer Sense
Fansided

4 Offseason tasks the Philadelphia 76ers should already be working on

By Jonathan Geib

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles up the court in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 23, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles up the court in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 23, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

The Philadelphia 76ers are playing fantastic basketball and are fully focused on the playoffs starting in just a few weeks. And that is exactly where we want Doc Rivers’ and the player’s attention to be, the playoffs. The front office however should be focused on the future beyond this season. Here are 4 off-season tasks that the Sixers’ front office should already be working on.

James Harden’s Contract

The top priority this offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers is re-signing James Harden. Currently, Harden has a player option for the 2023-24 season, yet it is all but guaranteed that he will not exercise this option. The 10x All-star and former NBA MVP turns 34 this offseason and is seeking likely his last long-term contract and looking to cash in.

Last summer, Harden took a team-friendly contract to help the Sixers sign additional free agents, namely PJ Tucker and Danuel House Jr., with the hopes of bolstering a roster ready to compete for an NBA Championship. Do not expect Harden to do that again this off-season.

There have been multiple creditable rumors since Christmas that Harden has an interest in returning to the Houston Rockets after this season. He spent 10 years playing in Houston and loves the city having strong ties to the area from his tenure in the city. Many in the public and media wonder why Harden would leave a legitimate title contender to join a team who is potentially the worst in the league and it may go beyond money.

Prioritizing re-signing Harden should be first and foremost for Daryl Morey and Elton Brand. Harden is a perfect complement to Joel Embiid, who has emerged as the frontrunner for the NBA MVP this season with Harden’s assistance. If Harden is truly sold on going back to Houston and no contract the Sixers offer will change his mind, then we may be out of luck.

Maybe a deep playoff run is key to convincing him to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers where he could make a serious run at a title before his career is over.