With the 76ers reportedly ending trade talks regarding James Harden, another bit of info came to light shortly after that only adds to the drama of this situation. As NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark reported, Philadelphia apparently never made a contract offer to Harden in the first place.
Clark’s sources stated that there was never an agreement and that the two sides didn’t exchange trade proposals, even though the reasoning behind the guard’s choice to opt into the one-year deal with the 76ers was reportedly so the team could discuss possible trade destinations, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
According to Clark, the 76ers said they would speak with Harden and his representatives “the second free agency starts,” but then never did.
The 76ers have been linked in discussions with the Clippers about a possible trade involving Harden, but rumblings around those rumors have since cooled off.
Ultimately, Harden will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023–24 season. He is set to earn $35.64 million this year on his current contract.
Harden played in 58 games last season and averaged 21 points, a league-leading 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds. His 21 points per game were tied for his fewest in a season since 2011–12, which was his final year with the Thunder.
