James Harden takes pay cut, signs new contract with Philadelphia 76ers: NBA championship ambitions
After weeks of negotiations and searching for the optimal solution for both sides, All-Star linebacker James Harden has reached an agreement to return to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to the prestigious journalist Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden will put pen to the 2 -year contract with a total worth $ 68.6 million. Particularly in the second year, "The Beard" will be able to refuse to play the last year for 76ers and become a free player next summer (Player Option).
With an average salary of more than $ 34 million each year, James Harden has accepted a decrease of about $ 13 million compared to the figure that he can receive from Philadelphia 76ers.
This is the money that Harden is ready to sacrifice for the team to have more salary funds, thereby signing a contract with quality satellites to serve the championship goal.
“I know that the team may become better if I have more money to bring some good quality players on the transfer market. So I told President Daryl Morey that cutting the salary that the team needs to find a new player, then I will take the rest, "James Harden shared about the decision to reduce wages.
“I really want myself and Philadelphia 76ers to compete with the championship, so I'm ready to do everything I can. At this stage of my career, the only thing I want is to win and reduce wages is a way to get closer to that goal. "
The championship is the only thing that is missing in James Harden's "CV". Besides the noble individual titles, he has never been successful in the collective side.
In addition to the 2012 NBA Finals matches in 2012 when he was wearing Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden had 4 times stopped at the Regional Final and had to break up with Playoffs for many years.
The reason for failure can be indicated is a strong opponent, but James personally also has some seasons playing under the form of Postseason, the sign of his short breath after the official season. The closest evidence until the last 2021-22 season.
Because Joel Embiid was injured and did not show his usual form, fans had high expectations for Harden.
But the superstar scored "invisible" in the series that Philadelphia 76ers failed against Miami Heat. He only played sublimated 1 match (game 4), then even completely at game 5 and 6 . In the series, James Harden only had an average of 18.2 points/match.
A few days ago, the "bearded god" shared the reason he played under his strength at the playoffs last season and was determined to re -export stronger this season.
In addition to reducing wages so that the team can improve the quality of the squad, Harden itself also practices harder to achieve the best body.
“Moving the team in the middle of the season is always difficult and I have to get used to many new things. I am not even in the best state, but that's what I could not change before, "James Harden shared.
“Besides, even though not in a good state, I still have an average nearly reaching Triple-Double. Now I am able to be amazing and psychologically comfortable. I look forward to the season starting to be able to play with my teammates. "
