James Harden Takes Pay Cut; Signs Extension With 76ers

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James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a two-year contract extension that will cut his 2022-23 salary by $15 million. Harden is taking the pay cut to help the team surround him with better players, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1545484220377604096

Last year was a down season for Harden from a scoring perspective, as he averaged 21.0 points – his lowest mark in ten years. He struggled in the shooting department, particularly, with his 40% field goal percentage and 33% three-point shooting well below his career numbers (44% and 36%, respectively).

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As we’ve previously noted on Outkick, Philly wants to add a third star to go with Harden and superstar Joel Embiid. Harden’s new deal paves the way for them to add. The extension locks him in Philly for next season, but he will have a player option for the following season.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1545484373025099776?s=20&t=DDXsOF2WT0rJUM78jMiofA 

There has been a lot of chatter about Harden’s offseason workout program, and a video came out on Thursday showing assistant coach Sam Cassell working with Harden and backcourt mate Tyrese Maxey:

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1545390262930886658?s=20&t=DDXsOF2WT0rJUM78jMiofA

Philadelphia won a first round series against the Toronto Raptors before they were bounced by the Miami Heat in the conference semifinals. The 76ers haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001-02, when they lost in the NBA Finals against the Lakers.

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.