Ever since the Philadelphia 76ers‘ playoff exit, there have been questions – will James Harden resign? Even before their season came crashing down, rumors linked with his former side, the Houston Rockets. According to reports, there is some mutual interest between both sides to once again join forces. However, what of the Sixers? Fans have wondered what they plan on doing, and the recent outbreak confirmed their direction.

As Brian Windhorst’s update hit the internet, the basketball fanatics destroyed James Harden as his future plans become more concrete.

James Harden won’t be a Sixer next season?

Harden is a free agent as of now. But he has the option to resign with the 76ers for $35.6 million via his player option. Several reports suggest he is most likely going to deny his player option to reunite with the Rockets. The only way the Sixers can have him if he does reject the player option is to offer him the max contract which is believed to be $211 million for four years. But as per Brian Windhorst’s update, the organization might be reluctant in doing so.

“The Sixers are not really motivated to pay him that max salary if they don’t think anybody else is going to do it,” he reported while on Wednesday’s Pardon The Interruption. 

Only weeks ago, the Sixers fired head coach Doc Rivers and are hoping to move forward with Joel Embiid at the helm. Their decision to let go of Rivers reportedly had Harden’s hands all over it. Hence, it came as a shock when only days later rumors of his desire to once again be a Rocket surfaced.

The Rockets are a young team looking to develop around their growing talent. They are building around stars such as Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun. The Beard could give them the much-needed veteran presence, and help the budding stars develop into valuable assets. However, it is unlikely even they will be prepared to offer a max contract to the 2018 MVP.

READ MORE-Weeks After Another Trade Rumor Spins Up James Harden’s World, 8x-NBA All-Star Lets Out a Bizarre Take: “That’s Gonna Hinder Your Growth a Little Bit”

Harden’s resume precedes himself as one of the all-time greats of the game. But he has significantly slowed down in these last few years, gravitating away from the master scorer he once was. His impending free agency decision could potentially determine how different the Sixers will look next year. Moreover, it could be an indicator of Embiid’s future in the city.

NBA Fans rip the Beard apart

After Windhorst’s update, NBA Twitter began their descent on the ten-time All-Star. They called him ‘washed’ and feel the Sixers are doing the right thing by letting Harden walk free.

There were also fans who have grown tired of the to-and-fro as they believe Harden’s end destination is decided – but there was a clash between Houston and Philly.

Where do you think The Beard will end up next season? Let us know your view in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Jack Harlow and 2x Academy Winner rally behind Jayson Tatum after historic Celtics night