Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden intends to decline his $35.6 million player option and enter free agency this summer, Bleacher Report reported Wednesday. The 10-time All-Star is looking for a four-year contract with a team that has a 'competitive roster,' and he wants the 'basketball freedom … to be himself,' per the report. Harden, 33, averaged 21.0 points, a league-leading 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 58 games (all starts) in 2022-23. The report cited a long-term deal with Philadelphia as 'the only logical option' and downplayed Harden's rumored return to the Houston Rockets.

https://sports.inquirer.net/510801/nba-76ers-james-harden-to-decline-35-6m-option

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