James Harden Will Decline Player Option, Test Free Agency, per Report

He took a significant pay cut this past season.

James Harden will decline his $35.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. The star guard will reportedly be seeking a four-year contract when he hits the open market. 

Besides the 76ers, the Rockets are the other favorite to sign Harden to a long-term deal. It was first reported by ESPN in December 2022 that the former MVP would be open to returning to the franchise where he played for nine seasons. Then in March, The Athletic reported Harden would seriously consider Houston in free agency. 

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Harden took a significant pay cut this past season so that Philadelphia could put together a championship-level roster, but the team fell in seven games to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Additionally, the team dismissed coach Doc Rivers after three seasons. 

Now, the 33-year-old will be looking to cash in after averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in his 14th NBA season.