$274 Million, Ben Simmons-Kyrie Irving Drama and More: Unpacking James Harden to 76ers Trade Rumors Haunting Brooklyn Nets

James Harden is seeing himself get thrown into a whirlpool of trade rumors as his player option kicks in the 2022-23 season. In spite of him choosing the Brooklyn Nets over the Philadelphia 76ers last year, the Sixers still seem very keen to add him to their roster.

Reportedly, Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is going to wait till the summertime to trade Ben Simmons. Morey wants to have another shot at getting Harden to play alongside superstar Joel Embiid, and he is prepared to wait until Harden’s option comes into play. Ideally, as Harden would himself choose to either opt-in or opt-out, this would reduce the amount of contact Morey has to make with the Nets.

James Harden- what are his best potential options?

Harden, also known as the Beard, turned down a three-year, $162 million extension with the Nets this season to keep his avenues open when the player option kicks in. On one hand, opting in would probably be the best option in terms of the money he can make via salary. On the other hand, opting out would make him the most sought-after free agent in the market.

However, what might dissuade him from declining his player option is the fact that most teams do not have the salary-cap space to rope him in. The most prudent choice, salary-wise, would be for him to accept the $47.4 million player option.

Re-signing with the Nets

The 32-year-old guard will qualify for a four-year, $227.2 million extension if he exercises his player option for next season, giving him a total salary of $274.7 million in 5 years. However, if he declines it, he can make $270 million over five years if the Nets re-sign him with his Bird Rights.

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Signing with another team

There is a possibility Harden would want out of the Nets if the problems like Kyrie’s eligibility to play keep dragging on. In case he declines the player option, the most Harden could earn is $200.1 million in four years if he signs with another team in free agency. In other words, unless Harden is willing to forego $74 million, the most sensible route for him to switch organizations, if he decides to do so, would be through a sign-and-trade.

It is safe to say that this year’s championship would weigh a lot on his decision to stay with the Nets. He would definitely be more inclined to stay, if the Big 3 can get him the first ring of his career. Alternatively, if they continue unable being able to play their stars together and lose, he would maybe look towards his Houston pals Morey, Tad Brown, and Michael Rubin in the 76ers.

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What do you think is the best choice for the Beard? Let us know in the comments.