'He is not the player he once was' - NBA Insider talks about complicated James Harden situation
NBA Insider Bobby Marks spoke about the complication surrounding James Harden's current contract situation that could see the player test Free Agency.
FollowFor most of his NBA Career, James Harden was one of the best players in the league. He was a No-Brainer for the maximum contract whenever he was eligible. Last season changed a few things, however. Harden had his worst season a few months after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Some believe he hasn't recovered from the injury, while others reckon his athleticism is shot. At 32, the guard isn't getting any younger. While there were some flashes of one of the best players in the league, there were also flashes of a player that is a shadow of his former self.
Unfortunately, this down-season came at one of the worst times possible, as Harden could've rejected his player option and signed a four-year max contract had he been playing to his previous standards. As it stands, Harden can either bet himself by taking his player option and entering free agency next season in hopes of getting a long-term max contract. The player can also look to sign an extension with the Philadelphia 76ers after taking his player option. Harden can also look for long-term stability by rejecting his player option and entering free agency this year.
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While the Sixers are favourites for Harden in any scenario, this situation is far from easy, as mentioned by Insider Bobby Marks. In his recent interview with ESPN's Zach Lowe, Marks said, "Certainly the Toronto series there were signs, Harden played great in Game 6, there were signs in Game 1 and 2 [of the Miami Series], without Joel Embiid, the struggles he had, and when you look at Games 5 and 6 that's the James Harden for most of the season here. James Harden is not the player that everyone saw in Houston here."
