NBA: Ranking the top 15 free agents and predicting where they’ll land

4. James Harden, player option

Even though the season ended prematurely for the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs once again, when it came to James Harden the team doesn’t have many options. Considering what they gave up to acquire him at the NBA Trade Deadline, there’s no question that Harden figures to be a part of the Sixers’ immediate future for a long time.

No matter what Harden elects to do this offseason, whether it’s to opt-in or opt-out, he will be in a Sixers uniform next season. The only question is whether it will be for a max extension or if he’ll take a bit of a pay cut to help the team continue to build a contender.

Either way, Harden is going to be a huge piece for the Sixers next season. And their success or failure squarely falls on his shoulders.

Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers