Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden believes signing his new contract with the team was the right decision. After the Sixers’ preseason win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 10-time All-Star made his point clear in the locker room.
“It was the right decision not only for myself, but for our company, which gives us a great opportunity to put the right pieces together,” Harden said.
Head coach Doc Rivers agrees. In the training video below, he emphasized the importance of communication and trusting teammates.
A few NBA betting sites are giving the 76ers top-10 odds to win the championship in 2023. Will the Sixers win a title with Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey? Some sportsbooks are betting on the Eastern Conference Finals.
“You do things, take care of business on and off the court, and the money always comes back,” continued the 2017-18 MVP. “So I’m lucky and blessed to be where I am, and I’ll continue to be.”
In July, the guard signed a two-year, $68.6 million contract with the 76ers. He is about to take a $14 million pay cut, minus the $47.4 million option from his previous contract.
Of course, Harden can opt out of his contract next summer to sign a maximum contract with the team.
76ers guard James Harden is sure that signing his new contract is the right decision
“No, but guess what? I don’t care,” Harden explained when asked if he regretted taking the small amount. “It’s like a stereotype. [of Harden] Where people always want to talk.
“People feel they can say anything because they don’t really know me. One thing I don’t do is pay them any attention. I don’t say anything in the media, in public.
“I don’t care, because I’m comfortable and I’m confident in what I do on and off the court.”
Unless his relationship with the Sixers breaks down, Harden will sign a supermax contract through 2023. The two-time scoring champion will earn $33 million through the 2022-23 season.
Look back at the preseason game
📹 Game Highlights from the Cavs | 10.10.22
Press at @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/o0vM5Az7h0
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 11, 2022
More importantly, Harden signing this new deal helps the 76ers save cap space. Over the summer, GM signed Elton Brand PJ Tucker to a three-year, $33 million contract. Additionally, Daniel House signed a two-year contract worth $8.42 million.
Not to mention, the Memphis Grizzlies traded D’Anthony Melton to the 76ers for Danny Green and David Roddy. Last month, free agent center Montrezl Harrell agreed to a two-year, $5.22 million deal with the team.
Deep down, James Harden cares about winning championships. NBA fans and entertainers have criticized the 13-year veteran countless times as a selfish player.
However, the 33-year-old is on the low side of his professional career, at least in terms of scoring. He couldn’t win a championship with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City. Therefore, playing for the 76ers may be the last chance to retire with a chip.
