Welcome James Harden!

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

I still don't understand why Rockets would bring back a 34yo Harden who will:
1) not make them competitive
2) doesn't fit with their young core as they are clearly rebuilding
3) take a lot of their cap space as he is looking for a longterm 35m+ per year

It just doesn't make sense for me. I think it's just leverage play. If he gets that contract from the Rockets, let him go.

This is what I don't get about NBA/American Culture

Harden has earned over $300m, and set yo make $50 nect year. What difference is an extra $100m really going to make? NBA players that have hundreds of millions of dollars haggle over their next contract and go to **** teams to get a few extra million.

In Australia players take pay cuts to play in championship teams, and sacrifice for their teammates. In the US it seems it's celebrated when a player gets such a big contract that it forces other teammates out of the organisation, or the lowest paid have to sacrifice for the highest paid.

I just don't get it.

It's simple greed my man. I think Harden also has a shoe deal that pays him too. I remember when Michael Jordan came back to play for the Wizards. The man donated his entire paycheck that year. I think he signed for like the vet min too, but point is, MJ was set at that point and just simply wanted to play basketball. Class act on his part if you ask me. You don't see that anymore. Harden is past his prime, he's made his money. He should be playing to win and for legacy at this point, but that doesn't seem to concern him. I've always felt that Harden was a bit of a jerk and certainly a selfish person. I don't think he cares in the least who he helps or who he burns or who he leaves hanging. Harden is all about Harden...Even 5-6 hundred million dollars later. It doesn't matter. Personally I'm done, I think he needs to head back out west. We'll continue to ride with Maxey and Embiid.

[FlyingArrow]

Real talk: what contract would you offer Harden?

$1 more than he'd get elsewhere?

Unfortunately, Harden is no longer worthy of a max contract. Money-wise, all the 'value' players are max players who are actually worth way more than the max or rookies on contracts that underpay them. By comparison, all other veterans are overpriced. Harden may actually get the max.

I think he's worth anywhere from $25-35m this year, and declining value going forward. Unfortunately, if we don't pay him the $35m (high end of what he's worth), we can't spend that $35m on anyone else anyway. So I'd probably start at $35m, and then have max depreciation each year for 4 years. Or add a 5th year while adding another $15m to the total value of the contract. 5th year as a player option.

4yrs/$124.7m
23-24: $35.4m (age 34)
24-25: $32.6m (age 35)
25-26: $29.7m (age 36)
26-27: $26.9m (age 37)

OR

5yrs/$139.3m
23-24: $33.2m
24-25: $30.5m
25-26: $27.8m
26-27: $25.2m
27-28: $22.5m (player option - age 38 season)

That feels a bit high to me, but I don't think it's an unmovable contract if things go bad here and we decide to blow it up. I think a 'fair' price would be about $5m less per year. At $10m less per year I'd be really happy to have him back. But we're in a bad spot. I think we'd have to either pay numbers like what's above or watch him walk somewhere else.

And it's possible that I'm way off and he'd actually merit a max contract. That sounds crazy, though.

This is what I'd offer him. Too much? Too little?

[mjkvol]

I still don't understand why Rockets would bring back a 34yo Harden who will:
1) not make them competitive
2) doesn't fit with their young core as they are clearly rebuilding
3) take a lot of their cap space as he is looking for a longterm 35m+ per year

It just doesn't make sense for me. I think it's just leverage play. If he gets that contract from the Rockets, let him go.

This is what I don't get about NBA/American Culture

Harden has earned over $300m, and set yo make $50 nect year. What difference is an extra $100m really going to make? NBA players that have hundreds of millions of dollars haggle over their next contract and go to **** teams to get a few extra million.

In Australia players take pay cuts to play in championship teams, and sacrifice for their teammates. In the US it seems it's celebrated when a player gets such a big contract that it forces other teammates out of the organisation, or the lowest paid have to sacrifice for the highest paid.

I just don't get it.

The media plays a huge part in it as well. What always makes me laugh is when a player goes to a preferred destination that is offering him a contract of, say, $250 million while other teams have offered him $300 million, and the media hammers the player for "leaving $50 mil on the table".

The NBA especially has become a league where many, if not most players seek destination and lifestyle over winning when signing with a new team. Everyone wants to win, but not at the cost of their preferred lifestyle.

[ProcessDoctor]

Real talk: what contract would you offer Harden?

$1 more than he'd get elsewhere?

Unfortunately, Harden is no longer worthy of a max contract. Money-wise, all the 'value' players are max players who are actually worth way more than the max or rookies on contracts that underpay them. By comparison, all other veterans are overpriced. Harden may actually get the max.

I think he's worth anywhere from $25-35m this year, and declining value going forward. Unfortunately, if we don't pay him the $35m (high end of what he's worth), we can't spend that $35m on anyone else anyway. So I'd probably start at $35m, and then have max depreciation each year for 4 years. Or add a 5th year while adding another $15m to the total value of the contract. 5th year as a player option.

4yrs/$124.7m
23-24: $35.4m (age 34)
24-25: $32.6m (age 35)
25-26: $29.7m (age 36)
26-27: $26.9m (age 37)

OR

5yrs/$139.3m
23-24: $33.2m
24-25: $30.5m
25-26: $27.8m
26-27: $25.2m
27-28: $22.5m (player option - age 38 season)

That feels a bit high to me, but I don't think it's an unmovable contract if things go bad here and we decide to blow it up. I think a 'fair' price would be about $5m less per year. At $10m less per year I'd be really happy to have him back. But we're in a bad spot. I think we'd have to either pay numbers like what's above or watch him walk somewhere else.

And it's possible that I'm way off and he'd actually merit a max contract. That sounds crazy, though.

This is what I'd offer him. Too much? Too little?

I'd be shocked if he accepted, but crazier things have happened. Maybe once reality sets in that he really doesn't want to go to a tanking team in Houston he would accept such an offer though.

Also, FWIW, we can't offer him 5 years and the longest would be 4.

I think the highest we can safely go without too much regret is 4 years, ~$160 mil and the lowest is 3 years, ~$140 mil.

[Jay555]

I hope Houston goes after him. I think Harden is a big time bull$hit artist who used words like "sacrifice" to mask the unarguable fact that he is rapidly declining as a basketball player. There is not way in Hell that I personally would sign him to a 4 year 140 million dollar contract knowing that he's only going to get worse as he gets older.

I appreciate everything that he did for us while he was here. James Harden was an absolute pro for us during his time here. He helped Embiid win an MVP, he led the league in assists, he hit some big time shots for us, but at the end of the day, James Harden is happy just hooping and being in the NBA getting paid great money. Winning is not his top priority nor is a legacy. He's already a lock for the Hall of Fame, I honestly don't blame the guy. Quality of life over expectations...Who wouldn't be cool with that? Harden is one of the most outwardly selfish players in the entire league and again...That's fine. I can't knock another person for doing what's best for them. I just think that Morey should do what's best for the Philadelphia 76ers long term.

What I don't like about this situation is that he's basically backed us into a corner of perplexity. Not bringing him back to Philly only hurts us from a win now perspective. He also was a big reason why we fired Doc and I'm totally fine with that, but how does it look on our part if we fail to bring back the guy that basically got Doc fired? Again, I don't really care about that part, but I wonder if the team does.

Obviously him leaving would create a massive void at the point guard position. What exactly do we do about that? Do we bring back Shake Milton to take his place? Do we use our MLE to sing a point guard free agent? It would be nice to recoup something from him leaving be it a trade or trade exception of some kind. Morey is going to have to find a way to create some cap space or recover some assets should Harden sign elsewhere. There are people saying that a S&T would be beneficial to both teams involved so we should really try and make that happen I think. Harden just opting out and going back to Houston would be a hell of a hit to take. At that point we'd basically be punting on the next season to an extent. I mean, the team would probably be in the mix for the play in and that's about it.

That's an absurd take. Harden took a 15mil pay cut already this season so we could bring in Tucker etc. Now it's Harden's responsility to take another pay cut because he owes Philly and he wants to win? If he does not do that, he's a selfish person. Just because he's rich, does not mean he should be signed to a vet min contract. It's not about money my man. It's about whether you are respected.

Name me a player in today's NBA that would sign a super cheap deal to help their team. Nil. Nada.

The matter of fact is Harden is eligible to sign 4 years 200 mil contract. Of course, he ain't getting that. Let's say he signs 4 years 140 mil. Is that not a pay cut? By the sound of it, if he signs 20 mil per annum will you call him a saint lol.

You get Joel, Maxey etc to do that and see if they would.

You're just anxious that Harden will leave for Houston so this team will go nowhere next season. But you need to settle down. He's not. He's staying.

[FlyingArrow]

I'd be shocked if he accepted, but crazier things have happened. Maybe once reality sets in that he really doesn't want to go to a tanking team in Houston he would accept such an offer though.

Also, FWIW, we can't offer him 5 years and the longest would be 4.

I think the highest we can safely go without too much regret is 4 years, ~$160 mil and the lowest is 3 years, ~$140 mil.

Sorry, I was just going with what the Capulator said. I thought Bird rights let us go to 5 years. What is the rule for when you can offer a 5-year contract?

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Again, I can't fault anyone who prefers 300 million dollars while living the lifestyle/location that they prefer. Maybe Damian Lillard trule loves it out there in Oregon. I know I would. Jimmy Butler was absolutely fine going to Miami and playing in South Beach. I knew Butler wanted to win, but he went there to play basketball and live on the ocean. He didn't go there thinking that was his best shot at winning rings. I can't fault any human being for doing that. The fact remains that James Harden is going to do what's best for James Harden. If he was 28 years old I would be throwing every possible dollar his way to keep him in Philly for the next 5 years. Fact is he's in his mid 30s and it doesn't get any easier keeping up with young athletes when you reach that age. He's declining, he's not what he once was, I say let him walk and enjoy his life and remaining years in the league playing how he wants to play. There will be no hard feelings on my part should he decide to go back to Houston. A city he loves being in, a city he has a home in, a city that has always embraced him, and a city that has some amazing strip clubs (from what I hear).

I think it's easy to look at athletes and call them selfish or whatever, but the majority of us would do the same thing if we were in a similar position. Winning a championship isn't always the top priority with these guys. I think it's also why James Harden is a career loser. I honestly believe that he does not care about winning rings.

[ProcessDoctor]

I'd be shocked if he accepted, but crazier things have happened. Maybe once reality sets in that he really doesn't want to go to a tanking team in Houston he would accept such an offer though.

Also, FWIW, we can't offer him 5 years and the longest would be 4.

I think the highest we can safely go without too much regret is 4 years, ~$160 mil and the lowest is 3 years, ~$140 mil.

Sorry, I was just going with what the Capulator said. I thought Bird rights let us go to 5 years. What is the rule for when you can offer a 5-year contract?

It's called the "over 38 rule" I believe. Basically, even if you have a players bird rights, you can't offer them a 5-year deal if it extends into their age 38 season. 5 years would violate that with Harden, but 4 would not.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

I hope Houston goes after him. I think Harden is a big time bull$hit artist who used words like "sacrifice" to mask the unarguable fact that he is rapidly declining as a basketball player. There is not way in Hell that I personally would sign him to a 4 year 140 million dollar contract knowing that he's only going to get worse as he gets older.

I appreciate everything that he did for us while he was here. James Harden was an absolute pro for us during his time here. He helped Embiid win an MVP, he led the league in assists, he hit some big time shots for us, but at the end of the day, James Harden is happy just hooping and being in the NBA getting paid great money. Winning is not his top priority nor is a legacy. He's already a lock for the Hall of Fame, I honestly don't blame the guy. Quality of life over expectations...Who wouldn't be cool with that? Harden is one of the most outwardly selfish players in the entire league and again...That's fine. I can't knock another person for doing what's best for them. I just think that Morey should do what's best for the Philadelphia 76ers long term.

What I don't like about this situation is that he's basically backed us into a corner of perplexity. Not bringing him back to Philly only hurts us from a win now perspective. He also was a big reason why we fired Doc and I'm totally fine with that, but how does it look on our part if we fail to bring back the guy that basically got Doc fired? Again, I don't really care about that part, but I wonder if the team does.

Obviously him leaving would create a massive void at the point guard position. What exactly do we do about that? Do we bring back Shake Milton to take his place? Do we use our MLE to sing a point guard free agent? It would be nice to recoup something from him leaving be it a trade or trade exception of some kind. Morey is going to have to find a way to create some cap space or recover some assets should Harden sign elsewhere. There are people saying that a S&T would be beneficial to both teams involved so we should really try and make that happen I think. Harden just opting out and going back to Houston would be a hell of a hit to take. At that point we'd basically be punting on the next season to an extent. I mean, the team would probably be in the mix for the play in and that's about it.

That's an absurd take. Harden took a 15mil pay cut already this season so we could bring in Tucker etc. Now it's Harden's responsility to take another pay cut because he owes Philly and he wants to win? If he does not do that, he's a selfish person. Just because he's rich, does not mean he should be signed to a vet min contract. It's not about money my man. It's about whether you are respected.

Name me a player in today's NBA that would sign a super cheap deal to help their team. Nil. Nada.

The matter of fact is Harden is eligible to sign 4 years 200 mil contract. Of course, he ain't getting that. Let's say he signs 4 years 140 mil. Is that not a pay cut? By the sound of it, if he signs 20 mil per annum will you call him a saint lol.

You get Joel, Maxey etc to do that and see if they would.

You're just anxious that Harden will leave for Houston so this team will go nowhere next season. But you need to settle down. He's not. He's staying.

Nope...The bolded part is your own interpretation of what I posted. I never once said Harden owes Philly anything. Please don't put words in my mouth. As a matter of fact, can you please find the quote where I said that he owes Philly a discount? I really need to know where I said that. I don't think you're comprehending what exactly it is I wrote. I'm not going to explain it again to you.

Oh and I'm damn sure not anxious about him leaving for Houston. In fact, I hope he does...Again where did I say that I'm anxious? You're just making stuff up out of thin Fking air at this point! Seriously bro?

Here I'll break it down for you in laymans terms since you're creating false quotes and misunderstanding what I'm saying...

1. Harden is an outwardly selfish person. He's going to do what's best for him. I can't fault him for that.

2. Harden wants to play "his brand" of basketball, he also wants to freely live his lifestyle in his preferred location...Again, I can't fault him for that.

3. Harden is a BS artist that has used every excuse possible to mask the unarguable fact that he's declining as a player and despite not believing it...Is in no way deserving of a max contract or anything even remotely close to it at this point.

Not one time did I say he owes us anything? Where did I say that he should play on a vet min contract? Then you turn around and totally contradict yourself by saying it's about respect? Did Michael Jordan have respect when he came back to play for the Wizards for free? Are you saying Jordan wasn't respected for that decision? WTF exactly are you even talking about in the first place? You literally just made $hit up that I didn't even say. I mean, dude...Find the quote where I said Harden owes Philly. I'll wait. I think you're the one that needs to settle down. Re-read what I wrote, but please don't ever just make stuff up. I never said any of those things. I can't help if you interpreted it that way. Like I said, find the quote where I said "Harden Owes Philly" or that "He should play on a vet min contract", otherwise STFU with your overreactions.

[TheBallsDeeper]

Again, I can't fault anyone who prefers 300 million dollars while living the lifestyle/location that they prefer. Maybe Damian Lillard trule loves it out there in Oregon. I know I would. Jimmy Butler was absolutely fine going to Miami and playing in South Beach. I knew Butler wanted to win, but he went there to play basketball and live on the ocean. He didn't go there thinking that was his best shot at winning rings. I can't fault any human being for doing that. The fact remains that James Harden is going to do what's best for James Harden. If he was 28 years old I would be throwing every possible dollar his way to keep him in Philly for the next 5 years. Fact is he's in his mid 30s and it doesn't get any easier keeping up with young athletes when you reach that age. He's declining, he's not what he once was, I say let him walk and enjoy his life and remaining years in the league playing how he wants to play. There will be no hard feelings on my part should he decide to go back to Houston. A city he loves being in, a city he has a home in, a city that has always embraced him, and a city that has some amazing strip clubs (from what I hear).

I think it's easy to look at athletes and call them selfish or whatever, but the majority of us would do the same thing if we were in a similar position. Winning a championship isn't always the top priority with these guys. I think it's also why James Harden is a career loser. I honestly believe that he does not care about winning rings.

I 100% get going somewhere for lifestyle. That, teammates and winning championships would be my three priorities. What I don't get is players who have made over $300m basing decisions on the size of the contract - especially when it can have a negative impact on teammates earning low money. What possibly can that extra money mean to them that is more important than lifestyle or rings?

I think it's mainly ego - NBA culture has built up this ridiculous "need to get paid" pissing contest. I also think it's part of American culture - supporting a tiny number of ultra-rich over your own best interest because the billionaires have conned you into the "American Dream", that you will one day be like them.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Again, I can't fault anyone who prefers 300 million dollars while living the lifestyle/location that they prefer. Maybe Damian Lillard trule loves it out there in Oregon. I know I would. Jimmy Butler was absolutely fine going to Miami and playing in South Beach. I knew Butler wanted to win, but he went there to play basketball and live on the ocean. He didn't go there thinking that was his best shot at winning rings. I can't fault any human being for doing that. The fact remains that James Harden is going to do what's best for James Harden. If he was 28 years old I would be throwing every possible dollar his way to keep him in Philly for the next 5 years. Fact is he's in his mid 30s and it doesn't get any easier keeping up with young athletes when you reach that age. He's declining, he's not what he once was, I say let him walk and enjoy his life and remaining years in the league playing how he wants to play. There will be no hard feelings on my part should he decide to go back to Houston. A city he loves being in, a city he has a home in, a city that has always embraced him, and a city that has some amazing strip clubs (from what I hear).

I think it's easy to look at athletes and call them selfish or whatever, but the majority of us would do the same thing if we were in a similar position. Winning a championship isn't always the top priority with these guys. I think it's also why James Harden is a career loser. I honestly believe that he does not care about winning rings.

I 100% get going somewhere for lifestyle. That, teammates and winning championships would be my three priorities. What I don't get is players who have made over $300m basing decisions on the size of the contract - especially when it can have a negative impact on teammates earning low money. What possibly can that extra money mean to them that is more important than lifestyle or rings?

I think it's mainly ego - NBA culture has built up this ridiculous "need to get paid" pissing contest. I also think it's part of American culture - supporting a tiny number of ultra-rich over your own best interest because the billionaires have conned you into the "American Dream", that you will one day be like them.

Like I said, people are going to do what's best for them. Even when they have over 600 million in the bank. I think Harden is a BS artist, I don't think he cares in the least about winning, I think he's all about his brand and I think he's too stubborn to come to grips with reality. Apparently his followers are too.

[rocketsfan100]

Again, I can't fault anyone who prefers 300 million dollars while living the lifestyle/location that they prefer. Maybe Damian Lillard trule loves it out there in Oregon. I know I would. Jimmy Butler was absolutely fine going to Miami and playing in South Beach. I knew Butler wanted to win, but he went there to play basketball and live on the ocean. He didn't go there thinking that was his best shot at winning rings. I can't fault any human being for doing that. The fact remains that James Harden is going to do what's best for James Harden. If he was 28 years old I would be throwing every possible dollar his way to keep him in Philly for the next 5 years. Fact is he's in his mid 30s and it doesn't get any easier keeping up with young athletes when you reach that age. He's declining, he's not what he once was, I say let him walk and enjoy his life and remaining years in the league playing how he wants to play. There will be no hard feelings on my part should he decide to go back to Houston. A city he loves being in, a city he has a home in, a city that has always embraced him, and a city that has some amazing strip clubs (from what I hear).

I think it's easy to look at athletes and call them selfish or whatever, but the majority of us would do the same thing if we were in a similar position. Winning a championship isn't always the top priority with these guys. I think it's also why James Harden is a career loser. I honestly believe that he does not care about winning rings.

I 100% get going somewhere for lifestyle. That, teammates and winning championships would be my three priorities. What I don't get is players who have made over $300m basing decisions on the size of the contract - especially when it can have a negative impact on teammates earning low money. What possibly can that extra money mean to them that is more important than lifestyle or rings?

I think it's mainly ego - NBA culture has built up this ridiculous "need to get paid" pissing contest. I also think it's part of American culture - supporting a tiny number of ultra-rich over your own best interest because the billionaires have conned you into the "American Dream", that you will one day be like them.

Like I said, people are going to do what's best for them. Even when they have over 600 million in the bank. I think Harden is a BS artist, I don't think he cares in the least about winning, I think he's all about his brand and I think he's too stubborn to come to grips with reality. Apparently his followers are too.

I think he did but he just pretty much has decided he just can’t win so he wants to go back to averaging more points and being closer to the comfortable surroundings like in Htown

[HardenGoat]

Again, I can't fault anyone who prefers 300 million dollars while living the lifestyle/location that they prefer. Maybe Damian Lillard trule loves it out there in Oregon. I know I would. Jimmy Butler was absolutely fine going to Miami and playing in South Beach. I knew Butler wanted to win, but he went there to play basketball and live on the ocean. He didn't go there thinking that was his best shot at winning rings. I can't fault any human being for doing that. The fact remains that James Harden is going to do what's best for James Harden. If he was 28 years old I would be throwing every possible dollar his way to keep him in Philly for the next 5 years. Fact is he's in his mid 30s and it doesn't get any easier keeping up with young athletes when you reach that age. He's declining, he's not what he once was, I say let him walk and enjoy his life and remaining years in the league playing how he wants to play. There will be no hard feelings on my part should he decide to go back to Houston. A city he loves being in, a city he has a home in, a city that has always embraced him, and a city that has some amazing strip clubs (from what I hear).

I think it's easy to look at athletes and call them selfish or whatever, but the majority of us would do the same thing if we were in a similar position. Winning a championship isn't always the top priority with these guys. I think it's also why James Harden is a career loser. I honestly believe that he does not care about winning rings.

I 100% get going somewhere for lifestyle. That, teammates and winning championships would be my three priorities. What I don't get is players who have made over $300m basing decisions on the size of the contract - especially when it can have a negative impact on teammates earning low money. What possibly can that extra money mean to them that is more important than lifestyle or rings?

I think it's mainly ego - NBA culture has built up this ridiculous "need to get paid" pissing contest. I also think it's part of American culture - supporting a tiny number of ultra-rich over your own best interest because the billionaires have conned you into the "American Dream", that you will one day be like them.

Like I said, people are going to do what's best for them. Even when they have over 600 million in the bank. I think Harden is a BS artist, I don't think he cares in the least about winning, I think he's all about his brand and I think he's too stubborn to come to grips with reality. Apparently his followers are too.

How do you explain a player taking a paycut to bring in players that increase depth and the odds of winning a championship? He led the league in assists? How is that being selfish? He already would have had a max contract but left and took a shorter one that pays less. He did that to remain flexible in the pursuit of a championship. How is that not valuing winning over money?

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

I 100% get going somewhere for lifestyle. That, teammates and winning championships would be my three priorities. What I don't get is players who have made over $300m basing decisions on the size of the contract - especially when it can have a negative impact on teammates earning low money. What possibly can that extra money mean to them that is more important than lifestyle or rings?

I think it's mainly ego - NBA culture has built up this ridiculous "need to get paid" pissing contest. I also think it's part of American culture - supporting a tiny number of ultra-rich over your own best interest because the billionaires have conned you into the "American Dream", that you will one day be like them.

Like I said, people are going to do what's best for them. Even when they have over 600 million in the bank. I think Harden is a BS artist, I don't think he cares in the least about winning, I think he's all about his brand and I think he's too stubborn to come to grips with reality. Apparently his followers are too.

How do you explain a player taking a paycut to bring in players that increase depth and the odds of winning a championship? He led the league in assists? How is that being selfish? He already would have had a max contract but left and took a shorter one that pays less. He did that to remain flexible in the pursuit of a championship. How is that not valuing winning over money?

I'm not talking about his play. I think Harden was an absolute professional while he was here. I'm saying that Harden ultimately does not care about winning. He seems to prioritize lifestyle and personal comfort over winning. I can't fault him for that. I think he gave it a shot here in Philly, but it didn't happen. So now it could be back to Houston to play and build with the young guns. That doesn't exactly sound bad either. That's all I'm saying.

[phillynative]

I hope Houston goes after him. I think Harden is a big time bull$hit artist who used words like "sacrifice" to mask the unarguable fact that he is rapidly declining as a basketball player. There is not way in Hell that I personally would sign him to a 4 year 140 million dollar contract knowing that he's only going to get worse as he gets older.

I appreciate everything that he did for us while he was here. James Harden was an absolute pro for us during his time here. He helped Embiid win an MVP, he led the league in assists, he hit some big time shots for us, but at the end of the day, James Harden is happy just hooping and being in the NBA getting paid great money. Winning is not his top priority nor is a legacy. He's already a lock for the Hall of Fame, I honestly don't blame the guy. Quality of life over expectations...Who wouldn't be cool with that? Harden is one of the most outwardly selfish players in the entire league and again...That's fine. I can't knock another person for doing what's best for them. I just think that Morey should do what's best for the Philadelphia 76ers long term.

What I don't like about this situation is that he's basically backed us into a corner of perplexity. Not bringing him back to Philly only hurts us from a win now perspective. He also was a big reason why we fired Doc and I'm totally fine with that, but how does it look on our part if we fail to bring back the guy that basically got Doc fired? Again, I don't really care about that part, but I wonder if the team does.

Obviously him leaving would create a massive void at the point guard position. What exactly do we do about that? Do we bring back Shake Milton to take his place? Do we use our MLE to sing a point guard free agent? It would be nice to recoup something from him leaving be it a trade or trade exception of some kind. Morey is going to have to find a way to create some cap space or recover some assets should Harden sign elsewhere. There are people saying that a S&T would be beneficial to both teams involved so we should really try and make that happen I think. Harden just opting out and going back to Houston would be a hell of a hit to take. At that point we'd basically be punting on the next season to an extent. I mean, the team would probably be in the mix for the play in and that's about it.

That's an absurd take. Harden took a 15mil pay cut already this season so we could bring in Tucker etc. Now it's Harden's responsility to take another pay cut because he owes Philly and he wants to win? If he does not do that, he's a selfish person. Just because he's rich, does not mean he should be signed to a vet min contract. It's not about money my man. It's about whether you are respected.

Name me a player in today's NBA that would sign a super cheap deal to help their team. Nil. Nada.

The matter of fact is Harden is eligible to sign 4 years 200 mil contract. Of course, he ain't getting that. Let's say he signs 4 years 140 mil. Is that not a pay cut? By the sound of it, if he signs 20 mil per annum will you call him a saint lol.

You get Joel, Maxey etc to do that and see if they would.

You're just anxious that Harden will leave for Houston so this team will go nowhere next season. But you need to settle down. He's not. He's staying.

Harden stays this is a 2nd round team. Harden leaves this is a 2nd round team. I wish we could sign and trade him for something of value.

[stormi]

I'll never forget the 2023 ECSF games 1 and 4 against Boston.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

The most dominant postseason basketball displayed as a 76er since AI.

Unfortunately the MVP couldn't repay him that favor when he needed him most.

I'll admit he was up and down at times to polarizing degrees, but with this braindead moron at the helm and our geriatric caveman offense, I just can't completely fault him.

Read on Twitter

If he genuinely heads back home, then it was a fun ride while it lasted.

[mjkvol]

I'll never forget the 2023 ECSF games 1 and 4 against Boston.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

The most dominant postseason basketball displayed as a 76er since AI.

Unfortunately the MVP couldn't repay him that favor when he needed him most.

I'll admit he was up and down at times to polarizing degrees, but with this braindead moron at the helm and our geriatric caveman offense, I just can't completely fault him.

Read on Twitter

If he genuinely heads back home, then it was a fun ride while it lasted.

Absolutely. Game 1 is among the most enjoyable post-Process games, one that seemingly came out of nowhere. I don't care about this stuff a fraction as much as I did 30-40 years ago, but winning in that building and shutting up the most vile, arrogant fan base in the NBA is as great now as it ever was.

That Rivers video is a scream. Watching the game with my wife when they showed that coming out of a time out, and she turns to me and says "Is he serious? This is what he calls a time out to say?" I said "it's just Glenn's version of x's and o's".

[Arsenal]

What idiot hired Doc and why hasn't he been fired yet? Must have been that little rat owner. Can't fire himself even though he's totally incompetent.

[Negrodamus]

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Lmao, time to take a pick away from them.

[Ferry Avenue]

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You'll have that when the leadership among the players sucks and you have to try to drum up some drive within them.