According to sources cited by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, James Harden is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 33-year-old guard is reportedly seeking a long-term deal, preferably a four-year contract.
Harden will only consider teams that offer him basketball freedom and a competitive roster. While the Rockets have long been rumored as a potential destination for the 10-time NBA All-Star, sources say that the dynamic in Philadelphia may change following the dismissal of coach Doc Rivers.
This season Harden averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 36.8 minutes per game for the 76ers. While he had 40-point games in the playoffs, the Sixers’ star closed the season with two disappointing games, scoring 13 (4/16 field goals) and 8 points (3/11 field goals) in Game 5 and 6 against the Celtics.
