James Harden reportedly has not had a good time living in Brooklyn, New York. Not surprisingly, this news music to the ears of Philadelphia 76ers fans amidst trade rumors revolving around Ben Simmons. For the 76ers, this might mean a second shot at roping in Harden in the offseason once his player option kicks in.
“According to multiple sources, Harden has not enjoyed living in Brooklyn, compared to his days as a central Houston magnate.”
(Via https://t.co/cSLFLhtHKz) pic.twitter.com/n8rVJ9PzAo
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 25, 2022
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Rumors regarding a Harden and Simmons trade were already taking over the news as Daryl Morey, Tad Brown and Michael Rubin are looking to sign their long-time Houston star. All three of them have been really close to Harden since his Rockets days. Additionally, not trading Ben Simmons to any team till now is probably due to their desire to acquire Harden. Reportedly, Harden’s close friend and rapper, Lil Baby, is also “tight” with Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin.
James Harden- next stop Philly?
Owing to the news about Harden not liking Brooklyn city, Philly fans are having a hard time controlling themselves from showcasing how great Philadelphia is.
Philly is great
— charlie (@PostEmbiid) January 25, 2022
Soon pic.twitter.com/TnlJeue5yc
— Joel EmGoat 🐐🐐🐐 (@BannedKingJolly) January 25, 2022
He’s a sixer
— 𝕄𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙🧤 (@MunchTVx) January 25, 2022
— 𝗧𝗿𝗲 💎 (@SixersTre) January 25, 2022
bro wanna just hang with lil baby LMAOOOO
— LAKER NATION FADE 💜💛 (@FadeAwayLeBron) January 25, 2022
lmfao. he might actually be a sixer. him n russ should both go there imo.
— Russ 🅿️alace 👑💎 (@Russ_Palace) January 25, 2022
Philly has MUCHHH lower taxes than NYC (only 2% state inc. tax vs. 0% in HOU but cheaper/nicer to live). To those who say he is looking for more shake joints-Steaks & Shakes?!?! Cmon – Philly excels! All that other entertainment? Ask ex-Eagles. And Manhattan is quick Limo drive
— Steve H (Unicorn Seeker) ✊✊🏿✊🏽✊🏻 (@shova983) January 25, 2022
SIXERS. EMBIID FINALLY WILL GET HELP
— ⭐️ (@Embiid4MVP) January 25, 2022
James Harden you are a sixer
— Detlef’s Burner 🔊 (@11Detlaf) January 25, 2022
south jersey has a ton of really nice neighborhoods, welcome to philly james
— mike (@mikedrumm13) January 25, 2022
He doesn’t have to necessarily live in Philly to play there. There are a lot of suburbs within 30 minutes of the city. And if he wants to avoid taxes Delaware is right down 95
— Perry Gargamel (@GargamelPerry) January 25, 2022
James Harden can definitely find reasons to go to Philadelphia if he listens to the Philly fans. Theoretically, Harden has two options.
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First, opt out of the player option and sign with a new team. However, the problem with this is that the most Harden could earn is $200.1 million in four years if he signs with another team in free agency.
Second, if he exercises his player option, he will qualify for a four-year, $227.2 million extension, giving him a total salary of $274.7 million in 5 years. Subsequently, he can then wait and see who else can offer him that much money. However, currently, none of the teams have that much salary budget cap to sign him directly.
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Moreover, there is another option in his hands, he can decline the player option and resign with the Nets with his Bird rights. Consequently, he would make $270 million over 5 years. Thus, the best option, salary-wise, right now for him would be to opt-in to his player rights next season.
Nonetheless, if he does not like Brooklyn, he has a pretty good reason to explore other options.
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Watch this next: Jimmy Butler Once Claimed Meeting Michael Jordan Doesn’t Awe Him Any More: “He Came Up and Was Talking to Me on a First Name Basis”
Where will Harden end up in the upcoming season? Let us know what you think in the comments.