Philadelphia 76ers: When Is James Harden’s Option Deadline?

James Harden's decision is coming soon...

Justin Grasso | Jun 28, 2023

Philadelphia 76ers: When Is James Harden’s Option Deadline? /

In this story:

Philadelphia 76ers

Over the next 24 hours, all eyes will be on Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden as he has to make a decision regarding the player option he has on the table.

When Harden wrapped up his first run with the Sixers in 2022, he had an opportunity to return to the Sixers by simply picking up the option he had on his original contract after getting traded by the Brooklyn Nets.

Harden decided to decline the option with intentions of re-signing with the Sixers on a different deal. As expected, Harden would return to the Sixers’ roster with a guaranteed salary for the 2022-2023 season. The new contract also had a player option attached for the 2023-2024 run.

If Harden picks up the option, he’ll make over $35 million for next year. If he declines, the veteran guard will become an unrestricted free agent for the second-straight season.

When Is the Deadline?

Harden’s final decision regarding his player option has to be made by Thursday, June 29. He is the third and final Sixer with a player option on the table this offseason.

Earlier this month, Sixers veteran Danuel House Jr. became the first player to make his decision final. House decided to pick up his option with the Sixers. Therefore, he’ll make $4.3 million with Philadelphia next season unless he finds himself traded at some point.

As for the veteran center Montrezl Harrell, he decided an exit from the Sixers was in the cards. Instead of making $2.7 million to play for the Sixers next year, Harrell with hit the open market once again and search for a new opportunity.

All eyes will be on Harden this week. If he picks up the option, he’ll spend at least one more season with the 76ers. If not, then Harden will be free to talk to other interested suitors at the beginning of next month.

In the event Harden becomes available, he’ll likely entertain an offer from the Houston Rockets. At this point in the offseason, it seems the Sixers and the Rockets are in a two-team race to sign Harden.

Published Jun 28, 2023

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA