Report: James Harden Taking Massive Pay Cut With Sixers

When James Harden declined his $47M option for this season to sign a new contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, it was definitely assumed it would be for a reduced rate. Now the numbers have been leaked. Turns out Harden is taking a whopping $15M paycut.

James Harden is taking a $15M paycut next season with “sole focus” on a title run with the Sixers, per @ShamsCharania

Harden opted out of his $47M player option, giving Philly roster flexibility, and now plans to sign a new two-year deal with a player option in his second year pic.twitter.com/3JobqmCNs8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 8, 2022

Harden's new deal is a two-year contract, for $32M annually, with a player option on the second year. Insider Shams Charania reports that the 32% pay cut is all in the name of giving the Sixers roster flexibility in order to chase a championship.

Everyone around Harden has understood the focus on his workout regimen this offseason and a championship goal for 2022-23. His close relationships with those around the organization, including Michael Rubin and Daryl Morey, played a major role in trust between the two sides. https://t.co/q1eDY9xrDy

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022

Shams says that Harden has been focused on his offseason workouts, and that his close relationship with Daryl Morey helped pave the way for the discounted deal.

Assuming James Harden’s new deal is $32.0 million, he will be the 31st-ranked player in annual salary next season.

A massive discount for Harden committing to chasing a title with the Sixers alongside Joel Embiid.

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 8, 2022

As noted by NBA cap expert Evan Sidery, the $32M annually makes Harden the 31st-highest-paid player in the league. The $47M he could have opted into would have tied him for 1st. 

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