James Harden, 76ers agree to two-year, $68.6M deal

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden agrees to two-year, $68.6 million deal to return to 76ers

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/20/22

In perhaps the worst kept secret in the NBA this offseason, all-star guard James Harden is returning to the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden and the Sixers have agreed to a two-year, $68.6 million deal, which includes a player option in the second year.

Free agent James Harden has agreed on a two-year, $68.6M deal, including a player option, to return to the 76ers, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 20, 2022

Harden will reportedly make $33 million in 2022-23, with a $35.6 million player option for 2023-24.

The 32-year-old declined a $47.3 million player option for 2022-23 in June. In early July, reports emerged stating Harden planned to take a $15 million pay cut for next season, giving the Sixers wiggle room to sign free agents.

In an exclusive interview with Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes this week, Harden said he told Sixers' GM Daryl Morey to improve the team and give him "whatever is left over."

So far this offseason, the Sixers have added several players, including PJ Tucker, Danuel House Jr. and De'Anthony Melton.

After being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in the Ben Simmons deal, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals over 21 regular-season games with the Sixers last season. In 12 postseason games, he posted 18.6 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.

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