Philadelphia 76ers star guard James Harden entered free agency in 2022 with a decision to make. He could opt in to his $47.4 million player option and hamstring what Philadelphia could do in free agency, or he could opt out and negotiate a new deal so the Sixers could bring in roster help.
Harden took the second route. He opted out and re-signed with the Sixers on a two-year deal. He will get paid $33 million in the 2022-23 season, which is no small number. But the pay cut allowed the Sixers to bring in PJ Tucker, Danuel House Jr. and Montrezl Harrell in free agency.
However, instead of getting praise, Harden taking a pay cut triggered a tampering investigation of the Sixers. He is not getting the credit he thought he would get, and he sat down with The Athletic to discuss his displeasure:
“Nope, but guess what? I don’t care,” Harden said when asked, shaking his head for emphasis. “There’s like a stereotype (of Harden) where people always want to talk. People don’t really know me, so they feel like they can just say anything. One thing I won’t do is give them any attention. I won’t say anything, media-wise, publicly. I don’t care, because I’m comfortable, and I’m confident in the things I do on and off the court.”
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The Sixers definitely appreciate Harden for taking the pay cut. It allowed them to bring in the pieces they need to compete in the Eastern Conference. As Harden mentioned, as long as he is comfortable within his own skin and he understands that he might not get the love he believes he should get, then he and the Sixers will continue to thrive.
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