2 years agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard James Harden is expected to utilize his player option this summer. The front office acknowledges the team's best chance at winning a championship is with Harden on the roster. However, due to the former MVP's decline in play over the years, he may not get a max offer moving forward. That doesn't mean he won't be offered a shorter-term contract for less money, although anything can happen. After beginning last season in Brooklyn before being dealt to Philly prior to the trade deadline, the 32-year-old appeared in 21 regular-season games for the Sixers, averaging 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, and 7.1 boards. Yet, he shot only 40.2% from the field and a hideous 32.6% from deep, the lowest marks of his career. Nonetheless, while there's a possibility Harden's most productive days are behind him, he shouldn't be dismissed by fantasy managers ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, especially since he could conceivably turn things around. Yet, using a first or second-round pick on him during fantasy drafts is a risky move, albeit not completely discouraged.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBaller
Source: Jake Fischer