Sixers: James Harden takes a pay cut for next season

The three-time NBA scoring champion, James Harden, is eager to start working with the Philadelphia 76ers as soon as possible. The final details of a one-year contract between superstar NBA guard James Harden and the Sixers, which would see him take a $15 million pay cut, are still being worked out. Check out the top sports betting sites for betting on the NBA!

Harden, on the other hand, insists that he is “locked in” with the 76ers after battling a hamstring injury that had hampered his performance the previous two seasons.

The Olympic gold medalist reportedly declined the 76ers’ $47.4 million player option for next season in favor of a new two-year, $32 million deal in 2022-23. It includes a player option for the second season. In an exclusive interview with Yahoo Sports on Sunday, the 10-time All-Star explained why he was willing to make financial sacrifices for the sake of the team.

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The 32-year-old discussed how the Sixers could improve for the upcoming season with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. After the Sixers’ blindingly obvious issue was identified, it was decided that they ought to strengthen the quality of their players.

“I had conversations with Daryl, and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over,” Harden explained to Yahoo Sports.

A sacrifice like this may appear to be uncommon, but it demonstrated Harden’s determination to win. He then went on, “This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. That’s all that matters to me at this stage. I’m willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that.”

Harden’s injury and his off-the-court business

In the 2020-21 season, the 32-year-old shooting guard, suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. Harden’s first serious injury in his 13-year career served as a “wake-up call,” where the average player’s shelf life is 4.5 years. The realization prompted him to think about life beyond basketball.

Away from the court, he dabbles in any business he can get his hands on. He has a stake in the modern Mexican restaurants Toca Madera and Tocaya, which have areas in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, among other cities, with additional locations planned in Las Vegas, Miami, and New York.

This Sixers player is a part-owner of the Houston Dynamo FC soccer team, as well as a spokesperson for Adidas, Therabody, Art of Sport, Autograph NFT, Cashapp, the Beard Club, and Pura, among others. He also recently announced the acquisition of a stake in Tequila Gran Diamante, which arose naturally after they endorsed his 100-person 32nd birthday party last year. He owns Thirteen, an upscale restaurant in Houston too, plus a handful of Crunch fitness locations in “The Big Heart.”

Harden’s recent criticisms

The seventh times All-NBA select received a barrage of criticism for his performance in the 21 regular-season games he played in Philadelphia after being traded from Brooklyn. Despite not having his usual offensive explosions, the 32-year-old veteran averaged 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists with the Sixers.

The 2018 league MVP, on the other hand, dismissed those critics, believing that he should not be too hard on himself. Because he wasn’t in peak physical condition, he couldn’t give his all.

“I don’t really listen to what people are saying. I wasn’t right last season and I still almost averaged a triple-double,” Harden said to Yahoo Sports.