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根據Shams Charania報導，James Harden原球員選項為4700萬美元，跳出球員選項後將相較4700萬降薪1500萬美元，讓76人有更多薪資空間可以為2023賽季做補強，而Harden目前計畫與76人簽下1+1合約(第二年為球員選項)。

Everyone around Harden has understood the focus on his workout regimen this offseason and a championship goal for 2022-23. His close relationships with those around the organization, including Michael Rubin and Daryl Morey, played a major role in trust between the two sides. https://t.co/q1eDY9xrDy

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022

而報導指出，Harden與Micahel Rubin、Daryl Morey關係密切，因著雙方對彼此的信任才讓Harden做出降薪的動作。