Nets All-Star James Harden has been the discussion topic ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 10 trading deadline.
How could he not be?
Brooklyn, entrenched in dissent, is in free fall on the East Coast while facing some struggles. As a result, Harden is said to be not too pleased with the situation.
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After deciding not to sign a contract extension with the Nets before the season, Harden could become an unrestricted free agent as soon as this summer, sparking speculation that the Nets could try to swap the former MVP first. when there is the possibility of losing him for nothing.
While that could be a worst-case scenario, there are a few instances where that situation could turn out to be.
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James Harden contract
When he joined the Rockets in 2017, Harden agreed to a four-year, $171 million contract extension with player options for the 2022-23 season.
Harden, who is raking in $44.3 million this season, has a $47.4 million player option for the final year of his contract.
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| James Harden | $44,310,840 | $47,366,760 (PO) | – |
PO: Player options
In October 2021, Harden has decided not to sign a three-year, $161 million contract extension that will keep him with the Nets through the 2025-26 season.
If Harden opts out in the final year of his contract, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
How much money can James Harden make with the Nets?
By deciding not to sign an extension in 2021, Harden has increased his earning potential.
If Harden decides to stay with Brooklyn for the 2022 season, he can do so by opting into the next season and then signing a four-year extension. about $227 million.
With a five-year contract worth nearly $275 million, Harden will make more than $60 million a year in salary on his own at the end of the contract.
Since the Nets have Harden’s Bird Rights, he can also opt out of the final year of his contract and re-sign with the franchise for a maximum contract of $270 million over five years.
How much money can Harden make with another team?
If Harden turns down the final year of his contract to sign with another team entirely, he can sign a maximum four-year contract worth $200.1 million.
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Alternatively, a team can arrange a signing deal that guarantees a higher salary for him to join his preferred destination, only the team will need financial flexibility to fit in. Harden’s salary and contract acceptance.
Which teams have enough confined space to sign James Harden as a free agent?
The short answer is no, but in fact it’s a bit more complicated.
As it stands, there will be four teams that will work below the limit based on initial predictions. According to Spotrac contributor Keith SmithPistons, Magic, Spurs and Trail Blazers can each generate more than $20 million in space.
- Pistons – $31.4 million
- Magic – 28.1 million USD
- Spurs – $22.5 million
The Trail Blazers’ situation needs further explanation, as newly acquired Eric Bledsoe and Josh Hart are on partially guaranteed contracts for the 2022-23 season.
Per SmithThe Blazers could make $20 million to $32 million in cap space if they give up Bledsoe and Hart and don’t get the Pelicans first choice.
Each team will need to make more salary-saving moves to free up a Harden-sized maximum contract position.
How can the 76ers get James Harden in the off-season?
Given Philadelphia’s wage obligations, it would have to go through trade.
With team president Daryl Morey looking to pair Harden with All-Star midfielder Joel Embiid, the framework of Harden’s two-team deal with Philadelphia would have to include one of the Sixers’ other top earners – Tobias Harris or Ben Simmons.
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Ben Simmons | $33,003,936 | $35,448.672 | $37,893,408 | $40,338,144 | – |
| Tobias Harris | $35,995,960 | $37.633,050 | $39,270,150 | – | – |
Harris and Simmons will each earn more than $35 million next season but the difference between their contract numbers and Harden’s means the Sixers will need to bring in another player to bring in their initial wages. within 20 percent of Harden’s $47.4 million salary for the 2022-23 season.
The Nets are reportedly interested in Sixers sniper Seth Curry ($8.5 million), while young talents Tyrese Maxey ($2.7 million) and Matisse Thybulle ($4.4 million) are widely seen. considered untouchable.
