James Harden rumors tracker: Latest free agency news, projections to acquire 76ers star

Scott Rafferty

James Harden rumors tracker: Latest free agency news, projections to acquire 76ers star image

There's a chance James Harden will be a free agent this offseason.

The 10-time All-Star is entering the final season of his contract, but it's a player option worth $47.4 million. Will Harden turn it down to become an unrestricted free agent or will he pick it up to return to the 76ers?

In 21 games with the 76ers, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds. TSN's Steph Noh ranked him as the third-best player in this year's free-agent class.

"Harden certainly isn’t the player he was even three seasons ago. But he’s still easily a top 20 player in the league," writes Noh. "He had an up-and-down season where he struggled putting pressure on the rim but ... remains an offensive force and a foul-drawing machine."

The Sporting News has you covered below with updates on all Harden-related news and rumors.

MORE: When does free agency start in 2022?

James Harden free agency: Tracking the latest news, rumors, predictions

Harden declines player option

Date: June 29

Report: Harden has declined his $47.4 million player option, making him an unrestricted free agent. Charania adds that Harden intends to return "on a contract in free agency that gives the team financial flexibility to bolster the roster."

Source: Shams Charania, The Athletic

Harden could decline player option and re-sign

Date: June 27

Report: Instead of opting in to his player option and signing an extension, Harden could decline his player option and sign a three-year deal at a lower starting number. That would give the 76ers more financial flexibility in free agency to pursue P.J. Tucker. There's a "growing belief" the 76ers will lure Tucker away from the Heat with a three-year contract in the $30 million range.

Source: Marc Stein, Substack

76ers committed to Harden

Date: June 24

Report: While Harden "almost assuredly" is not going to get a full five-year max extension, the 76ers are still expected to make a "very significant" shorter-term commitment.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

Harden expected to return on shorter-term deal

Date: June 16

Report: "All signs point toward" Harden returning to the 76ers, only on a short-term extension. With Philadelphia "resistant" to the idea of giving Harden a four-year extension or five-year deal, picking up his player option and signing a two-year extension seems increasingly likely.

Source: Jake Fischer, Bleacher Report

Scott Rafferty

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Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.