“Why I Made All Those Sacrifices”: Millionaire James Harden Gets Real on Retirement Wish Amid Lurking Contract Extension

James Harden has been trying to keep a core intact for a few years now. But it has yet to work out for him. Before he whisked his way out of Philly, Harden had claimed that he “wanted to retire a Sixer.” Similarly, in 2021, he allegedly told Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai that he wanted to finish his career with the team. However, when they failed to win championships, he bolted for greener pastures. This is the same story as when he affirmed his loyalty to the Rockets after signing an extension in 2017, but then forced his way out of the organization.

However, while his plans failed to materialise in Houston or Brooklyn, or Philly, LA might be his final destination. Chris Haynes reported that the 34-year-old expressed his desire for a long-term deal that would keep him in Lob City till the conclusion of his career. Harden then doubled down on this sentiment with his recent statements.

James Harden wants to retire as a Clipper

After the Clippers routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-117 on Tuesday night, Harden was questioned about the possibility of retiring a Clipper. “Yeah. That was the whole point, man. I thought the same thing with the last team I was on. That’s why I made all those sacrifices. I’m here home, I want to be able to keep a core together for a few years … Things are going well and I’m happy,” stated The Beard.

The sacrifices he mentioned were similar to what Kawahi Leonard has made in the past. In Philadelphia, Harden took a substantial pay reduction, signing a one-year, $33 million contract with a player option for a second year to help the 76ers bring in key players and strengthen their roster depth, aiming for a successful playoff campaign.

In the offseason, the 76ers successfully bolstered their roster depth by securing PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell. Additionally, they finalized a three-way trade with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire Jalen McDaniels However, this was before his relationship with the 76ers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, deteriorated, ultimately leading to a contentious departure from the team.

Can Harden finally add an NBA title that has eluded him for so long?

Many suspect the real reason Harden forced his way out of his former teams was to add a title to his resume. With the Clippers, his NBA dream might be a step closer to becoming reality. Even though the James Harden era kicked off with a less-than-ideal start, they have managed to turn their season around. Starting with a 5-0 record with Harden in the lineup, they have now gone an NBA-best 23-7. Therefore, with the Clippers, James Harden now has a legitimate chance to add a championship to his ledger.

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Harden’s wish to keep a core together is about to manifest as well. Just less than a week ago, Kawhi Leonard inked a three-year, $153 million contract extension to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now that Leonard is locked in, Paul George, who is also eligible for an extension, could be as well. While Harden is not eligible for an extension right now since he is under contract, he will be after the 2024 NBA Finals.

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