$165M Rich James Harden Could Enjoy $5,346,000 Cheque With Potential 76ers Exit

Life has a unique way of throwing curveballs into well-organized plans that could potentially alter fate. Philadelphia 76ers suffered from it as James Harden publicly declared his desire to exit the franchise. To add to the misery, the $165m worth of NBA guard could well receive a $5,346,000 cheque upon doing so.

The 76ers found themselves in an unfavorable position following a series of unexpected outcomes. With Haden potentially on his way out, their troubles could multiply soon enough.

Why would the 76ers need to pay James Harden?

The former MVP signed a 2-year $68,64 million deal with the Philadelphia side in the previous off-season. They started the last campaign with the aim of winning a championship, but things became chaotic by the end of it. Harden demanded a trade months back, throwing the previous plan out of the window.

The former MVP would earn $35.64 million in salary in the coming campaign based on the current contract. So, if the franchise fulfills his request before the start of the season, they would need to pay him $5.34 million. This is due to the 15% trade kicker bonus on his contract, considering the remainder of the deal.

Keeping in mind the situation that the 76ers are in, they would attempt to bypass that, by any means necessary. So, if the franchise can push the trade to towards the deadline day, they would reduce the bonus to around only $1.8 million. From the look of things, they are trying to do exactly that.

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This at the same time could backfire massively for the franchise. With the NBA introducing a new rule, the Philadelphia 76ers have some thinking to do.

Why could it backfire for the team?

The Board of Governors of the league has made certain tweaks in the system in favor of the broadcasting partners down the line. They now expect the teams to play their stars throughout the season, putting an end to the concept of load management. Failing to do so could result in hefty penalties for all 30 NBA teams.

Thus, the 76ers can not just shut out the 10-time All-Star for their personal benefit. At the same time, holding onto Harden for far too long could fade away the interest in him. All in all, the franchise finds itself at the disadvantageous end of the deal.

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What is the best way out for the Philadelphia 76ers? Let us know in the comments below.