At 7:30 a.m. Beijing time on May 5, the Eastern Conference Semifinals G2, the Philadelphia 76ers challenged the Miami Heat away. The two sides met in the first leg, and the Heat lightly won the 76ers to temporarily take a 1-0 lead. In this game, Embiid will continue to be absent, which will be a huge test for the 76ers.
In the absence of Embiid, the 76ers can only pin their hopes on Harden. However, Harden's performance in G1 was disappointing, playing 34 minutes and 35 seconds, 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 turnovers on 5-of-13 shooting. G2 game, is Harden trustworthy?
Harden's crotch play in the playoffs has also made many people worry about other futures. Harden has another year left on his contract, and it's a player option. According to the regulations, 76ers are eligible to sign a five-year, $270 million maximum salary contract with Harden this summer. According to Harden's current state, once this contract is signed, it is bound to become a hot potato.
Before the game, The Athletic reporter Sam Amik suddenly exposed that the 76ers handed Harden a contract extension would not be a maximum salary contract. According to Amik, when the 76ers traded Harden, the two sides had reached an agreement on the renewal of the contract, and Harden could take a little less money.
"When the 76ers got Harden, their intelligence was that Harden was willing to take less money. Obviously, you know, no one knows Harden better than the 76ers management. So, it doesn't shock me at all. ”
Regardless of Harden's performance in the playoffs, the 76ers will find a way to keep Harden. The 32-year-old defender will still be well paid. For now, though, they'll have to focus on a second series in Miami.