“If the Sixers give him $200M that’d kill the franchise for the next 10-15 years” Charles Barkley brutally disses James Harden amid max-contract rumors
Charles Barkley and James Harden
James Harden involved himself in one of the biggest trades this year in hopes of making a title run or to be more optimistic, to win himself a ring. The trade involved current Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons who is an all-defensive type of player they desperately needed. Simmons did not play for the entire season after a falling out with the Philadelphia 76ers and the injured himself while preparing himself for his season debut.
The swap between both teams seemed like a perfect fit for either of them. Unfortunately, both teams are currently out of the playoff race as the Nets were swept in the first round and the Sixers declined in the semifinals. Harden is one of the biggest reasons for the shortcoming of the team and the player may not be a viable option to continue with.
James Harden enters a gradual decline in the 2021-22 season
James Harden has not been the player most people would have expected to see perform on the court. His first few games with the Sixers were extremely impacting as he averaged 24.6 points, 12.4 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game helping them win consecutive games and boost their overall record. In his last five games, he only averaged 18.6 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds.
His decline in productivity had begun much earlier during the regular season soon after his outburst during his debut. The former MVP was practically of no use during the final games in the second-round upset. Harden had a very good start to the Game 6 closeout, but during the latter part of the matchup, he missed multiple shots and had 4 turnovers besides the 11 points he scored in the first half. Joel Embiid had just come off an injury and struggled to help lead the team.
Charles Barkley reacts as James Harden is rumored to sign a $200 million max contract
Charles Barkley gave a very harsh critique on the available option for James Harden. He said, “The reason I don’t like this trade is I don’t think they’re gonna win the championship in the next two years, and they’re gonna waste two of Joel Embiid. Now you’re got the injury which probably screws this season.”
“James got a $45 million option which he’s clearly gonna take and I’m gonna tell you if the Sixers give him that four-year $200 million deal, whoever first of all, I know the owners ain’t gonna let them do that. I just think he’s on a decline and man, the Sixers, they’re gonna regret that trade,” he continued. The beard has a player option waiting to be accepted for the upcoming 2022-23 season. However, the 76ers may also give him a max offer for the next four years which may be risky due to his recent antics.
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Rakibul John Rodgers
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