The Sixer Sense
Fansided

4 players the 76ers may have to cut ties with because of the new CBA

By Jason Reed

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 31: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 31: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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James Harden 76ers
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) – James Harden 76ers /

1. James Harden

James Harden took a pay cut to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers this past season and allow the team to add more help to the roster. After doing that for the team last offseason, it seems inevitable that he is going to opt out of his deal and pursue a bigger payday.

That is a problem for the 76ers as the team is $2 million under the luxury tax apron assuming Harden were to opt into his deal next season at $35.64 million. That is not going to be his price as he can legitimately get the max from someone if he really wants to.

A max salary for Harden next season, even if he signs a short-term max deal, is projected to be $46.9 million. If the 76ers were to re-sign Harden at that price and the other player options were picked up the team would be right under that second tax apron.

As much as Morey seems to love Harden and as well as he has played this season, it simply might not be worth it to bring him back at that cost. It is going to significantly hamper the team and the 76ers are going to be paying for past results.

He has been solid this year but he is not even going to play 60 games and he did not play like a max guy. Those issues will only grow as the 33-year-old gets older and has more miles on his legs in the league.

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With an eventual Tyrese Maxey contract around the corner, it is probably time to say goodbye to James Harden this offseason. The new CBA may have just confirmed it.