3 takeaways from latest James Harden rumors

1. James Harden is willing to compromise… sort of.

One of the most significant conversations surrounding the debate of whether or notthe Philadelphia 76ers should re-sign Harden is what the money would look like. The Sixers’ superstar’s player option already comes in at a whopping $47.3 million. The ideal situation for essentially everyone but Harden was that he would decline the option, and instead of signing the max deal he would have been eligible for (five years, $269.9 million), he would instead sign a deal similar to what Chris Paul signed with the Phoenix Suns (four years, $120 million).

As it turns out, James Harden is willing to compromise, just not in the amount of $24 million a season. According to Fischer, the ownership group in Philadelphia has been hesitant regarding a potential long-term commitment to Harden. Instead, it seems as though Harden will be willing to sacrifice years on the deal over annual salary, something the Sixers will be more than happy to agree to. Opting instead for a shorter-term deal could be mutually beneficial, though. As Fischer put it:

"“Signing perhaps a two-year extension after his option season to create a new three-year framework would also provide Harden with greater optionality for his own career.”"

Truly a win-win for both Philadelphia and Harden, potentially. That two-year extension could also end up as a one-plus-one deal like we’ve seen other stars sign recently — such as Kevin Durant. A shorter deal isn’t the only win-win in this situation, though, as retaining Harden can hopefully provide both the superstar and the Sixers with something they haven’t had in a very long time, continuity.