Harden opts out, what this means for Sixers

James Harden (left) attempts a drive against former teammate PJ Tucker (right) in what would be the 76ers final game of the 2022 playoffs. Photo by Matt Slocum, AP Photo.

James Harden has declined his player option of $46.8 million for the 2022-23 season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, as it has been rumored throughout the day. 

This looks to be done to secure a longer-term deal with less money per year that will allow the Sixers to pursue other team needs in free agency, i.e. PJ Tucker. 

However, according to Brian Windhorst, the Sixers have reportedly informed teams that they only have the bi-annual exception to use. 

The full non-taxpayer mid-level exception is allowed to be used with the bi-annual exception unlike the taxpayer MLE, so this coincides with the previous reports of Tucker signing for 3 years $30 million.

This could mean a number of possibilities in signing free agents after the dust settles with Harden, along with the rumors of Sacramento being a landing spot for Tobias Harris and Dallas/Portland's interest in Matisse Thybulle. 

First, Harden: We are awaiting the details of the contract he will sign with the Sixers. But of the other reports that have been made, we can make some valid guesses. 

The Sixers already have $104.3 million of the projected $123.6 million soft cap in 12 players on contract before signing Harden and using these exemptions. 

Unlikely, Harden, 32, can sign a 25% Max at $30.9 million/year or 30% Max at $37.1 million/year for 4 or 5 years and still keep Philadelphia under the cap and able to use these exceptions.

More likely, the Sixers and Harden will work out a shorter-term deal in the range of 3 years between the range of $35-$38 million per year, as Windhorst is also reporting it being somewhere in the “mid-30s”.

This would leave the team under the apron cap, using the MLE on PJ Tucker and the bi-annual exemption to go after more depth from the wing, possibly targeting free agents that weren’t picked up on team options today in Dante DiVincenzo or Lu Dort. 

The bi-annual could be better and more effectively used in acquiring one of the Martin brothers (Cody/Caleb) or Otto Porter Jr. 

If Harden did sign a max of sorts, then it would be a lot more likely of a Tobias Harris or Matisse Thybulle trade happening.

There are no reports of the Sixers currently shopping Harris, but there are reports that Sacramento wouldn’t mind taking on his contract, which would result in something like Harrison Barnes and Richuan Holmes being shipped out to Philadelphia. 

As free agency approached and Sixers fans bit their nails in anticipation of what Harden's decision would be, there were many rumors of the Sixers shopping Thybulle and Korkmaz to unload cap space in case Harden opted-in. 

Thybulle was seen as unplayable in the playoffs with his lack of offensive threat but remains seen as a defensive player of the year level defender when he’s not played off the court. 

His suitors are Dallas and Portland according to Jake Fischer, if the Sixers do look to exercise the option of trading Thybulle, they must be convinced that dumping the 2 time all defensive team member will translate to winning sooner.