In this season's NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, the 76ers are currently trailing the Heat by a 0-2 score, and due to Embiid's absence, the 76ers have almost lost their only strong point against the Heat on the lineup, which has doubled the pressure on Harden, and at the same time, before the start of this series, the outside world is also very expected hardened to lead the 76ers to a victory on the road with his personal performance. Unfortunately, the 76ers not only failed to steal a victory on the road and seize home advantage, Harden's performance is even more difficult to say, and now, the future direction of Harden's career has also caused a lot of discussion. Helpless to refuse 5 years 270 million, 76 people are not stupid, Harden's choice is also correct, but he needs to learn some successful experience from Paul's recovery from hamstring injury.
According to a report by Well-known NBA journalist Windhorst, sources revealed that Harden is very likely to execute the $47.4 million player option next season, and then discuss the renewal with the 76ers after the end of next season. Previously, Harden joined the 76ers in order to smoothly leave the Nets, he promised the 76ers that he would execute the player option for next season after the trade, but due to the delay in the physical examination and other issues at that time, Harden's execution of the player option for next season was not submitted, so in theory, Harden still has the right to jump out of the contract to become a full free agent, and according to previous reports, Harden has the right to jump out of the contract in the offseason and then re-sign a 5-year, $270 million contract with the 76ers.
According to Windhorst' report, Harden chose to execute the player option to play another year before discussing a contract extension with the 76ers, and his choice is not too much of a problem in every way. First of all, Harden promised this to the 76ers before the trade (the executive player option), and he made that choice, which is also justified. Second, to be honest, Harden's current performance (averaging 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game in the playoffs, shooting 40.2% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range), if he can't usher in a big reversal in his personal status in the next game, and the 76ers are out of the semifinals, then harden even if he jumps out of the contract, he doesn't look worth 5 years and 270 million, and even he may not be able to get a higher annual salary than 47 million.
In Windhorst's words, Harden is currently only the third option for the 76ers, and if he jumps out of the contract, the 76ers are more willing to give Harden a three-year, $110 million extension contract, which is far below the super salary. From this point of view, Harden chooses to play for another year, regain the feeling on the leg next season, play at his best, and then negotiate the price with the 76ers is a better choice, and if things go in other directions, Harden's choice can be more flexible, whether he is renewing his contract or leaving the team, Harden can be more free.
In fact, is the dilemma that Harden is facing now particularly similar to that of Paul at that time? In the 17-18 season, Paul averaged 18.6 points and 7.9 assists per game, his shooting percentage and three-point shooting reached 46.0% and 38.0%, respectively, that season Paul's mid-range jump shot was his inexplicable kill (and now it is), but after suffering a thigh injury in the Western Conference Finals, even if Paul gained a full offseason recovery time, in the following season, his average per game fell to 15.6 points, 8.2 assists, and the two shooting percentages fell to 41.9% and 35.8%. The most impressive thing is that that that season, Paul's best mid-range jumper was not taken advantage of, and often the opportunity came out, but he failed to shoot.
After this season, Paul and Harden had a conflict, Paul was also sent to the Thunder, the Rockets owner said the famous "Paul's contract is the worst contract in the history of the whole sports", and the argument that Paul is not worth 40 million annual salary has lasted for a whole season. However, after another offseason adjustment, Paul found his form, he once again played a very high offensive efficiency (shooting 48.9% from the field) in the Thunder, the Thunder, which was originally regarded as a contender for the title, were taken all the way to the fifth place in the West by Paul, and in the end they only lost to the Rockets in the first round of the seven-game game, regrettably out, but Paul has won respect.
Paul today needless to say, he is still for his first NBA championship to launch an impact, while he led the Suns is also in the Western Conference semifinals, the current big score 2-0 lead the Lone Ranger, the Suns under Paul's leadership has become one of the biggest favorites to win the championship this season, whether from the personal state, or in terms of team results, Paul has ushered in a reverse growth. Also suffering from a hamstring injury, the same whole season of being questioned, Harden is also about to usher in the most critical offseason for him personally, this is his best chance to regain his leg strength, in this regard, Harden can indeed learn from Paul.