Report: James Harden to decline option, return to Philadelphia 76ers on new contract

James Harden is declining his contract option. He’s probably not leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, though. Harden is expected to sign a team-friendly contract that allows the 76ers to add to the roster, according to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania.

“Harden’s sole focus: Win a title in Philadelphia next season,” Charania tweeted. “Harden returned to his workout and on-court regimen much sooner than usual this offseason, pouring his full focus on 2022-23 and a championship run.”

One of Philadelphia’s rumored free agent targets is PJ Tucker, who’s preparing to leave the Miami Heat. That sounds like the plan, according to Substack’s Marc Stein.

Harden arrived in Philadelphia at the trade deadline last year after parts of two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets to form quite a duo with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. If the 76ers bring in Tucker, they can add a big piece to the talented roster.

Bradley Beal opts out of final year with Washington Wizards, to test free agency

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has opted out of the final year of his contract and will pursue a new contract in free agency. Beal made the decision to not accept his player option worth a $36.4 million salary, intending to sign a new long-term deal with his current value.

The relationship between Beal and the Wizards appears to still be a good one and the Wizards made a move earlier on Wednesday that added three-point shooters in Will Barton and Monte Morris via a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The option to re-sign Beal to a new max contract is still in play, but other teams will certainly approach the star with significant offers.

Beal is one of the biggest names in free agency this offseason, especially after Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving opted in to their major contracts for next season. James Harden has not yet opted into his contract, making him a name to watch alongside Beal over the coming weeks.