Sixers’ James Harden rejects player option for 2022-23 season

James Harden has rejected his player option of around $47.4 million for the 2022-23 season, a source confirmed Wednesday to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Shams Al Shaaraniya Athlete The news was reported for the first time.

When asked after the Sixers’ loss to the Heat at the end of the season if he would exercise his choice, Harden said, “I’ll be here, yes. Whatever allows this team to continue to grow and improve – and do the things necessary to win and compete at the highest level.”

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski He notes, that Harden will boost the Sixers’ options in the free agency by signing a new contract with a much lower salary of $47.4 million in the first year.

for every Spotrac, the Sixers have 12 players under contract and an active roster peak of approximately $104.3 million with Harden turning down his option. With an updated forecast for a maximum salary of around $123.7 million, Keith Smith from Spotrac He cites a new luxury tax yard projected for a shadow of $157 million.

This is a number that is particularly relevant for the Sixers because teams that use a mid-level exemption for non-taxpayers, use a semi-annual exemption, or acquire a player through signing and trading can’t get past the apron. We’ll see exactly how the negotiations play out, but Charania wrote in his story that “Harden’s $47.4 million salary cut allows (Sixers head of basketball operations Daryl Morey) to offer agents for free a $10.5 million mid-level exemption for non-taxpayers with no moves. Another, flexibility Morey would have had a hard time creating by already trading players on guaranteed contracts.”

There was a lot of Smoke connects Sixers to Heat veteran PJ Tuckerformer teammate of Harden and junior ball center for Morey on the Rockets.

Although he didn’t go into any details, Mori said afterwards Diantoni Milton’s Trade Night Project“As you guys heard, it’s an adoration (with Harden), so we feel like we’re going to work it out.”

Free agent negotiations are scheduled to officially begin at 6 p.m. ET Thursday.

Read more: Six Free Agents That Might Work for the Sixers