The Philadelphia 76ers will have James Harden under contract for the rest of this season and for the 2022-23 season, as Harden will opt into his $47.3 million player option as part of the Nets-Sixers trade, per Shams Charania.
On Thursday, hours before the NBA Trade Deadline, the Sixers traded Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, an unprotected 2022 first-round pick and a protected 2027 first-round pick for Harden and Paul Millsap.
Harden will turn 34 before the start of the 2023-24 season, when he is set to become a free-agent, and the Sixers could look to sign him to a five-year extension that could be worth $270 million.
Harden, 32, is a 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA first teamer, three-time scoring champ, and 2018 Most Valuable Player.
For his career, Harden averages 25.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 44.3 FG% / 36.2 3P% / 85.9 FT%.