Hopes for the Philadelphia 76ers were high when they traded for James Harden in the middle of last season.
And while the team definitely made the playoffs, it didn’t pan out as expected.
Plus, Harden again had problems playing A-plus basketball in the postseason.
However, Harden just proved he’s a team player in a very genuine, surprising way.
The All-Star decided to decline his $47.3 million option with the 76ers on Wednesday right before the start of free agency.
Fans shouldn’t worry: Harden will most definitely sign with Philly again but his choice gives him less money and the team more financial flexibility to sign talent.
It’s a pretty generous move on this part.
I've got to be honest. I did not expect that James Harden was going to be the one to take less money to help build the team. Gotta respect that.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) June 29, 2022
NBA analyst Glen Macnow was happily surprised by Harden’s move, saying: “I’ve got to be honest. I did not expect that James Harden was going to be the one to take less money to help build the team. Gotta respect that.”
It’s a wonderful move by Harden: is he turning a page and becoming a new type of player?
Reshaping The Roster
The 76ers have made no secret of their plans to add more assets to the team and improve their chances for next season.
But they need money to do that, especially if they want to land a sizable name.
Harden’s move goes a long way to help with that, a sign that he really is committed to the good of the team and not just the weight of his wallet.
ESPN recently reported that Harden has been speaking with the team and telling them of his hope that he can help the organization get better.
Most reports say that Harden really wants this team to win a championship and is willing to step it up to make that happen.
He’s been the MVP, assist champ, and three-time scoring champion, but is Harden finally becoming a team leader?
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