INSIDERINSIDER
James Harden looks on at a 76ers press conference on February 15, 2022.
James Harden.Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
  • James Harden enjoys the nightlife.

  • Harden enjoyed going out as he forced his way out of the Nets.

  • Harden is eligible for a $223 million extension, but his age and off-court habits raise concerns.

Many NBA players enjoy the nightlife.

What is different is how Harden's enjoyment of the nightlife has become a topic of discussion around his last two ugly exits from teams and a future contract worth $200-plus million.

Harden was hoping to get traded from Houston, and an NBA GM told Insider that his off-the-court habits were bad.

Harden has used partying as a way to convey his desire to be in different places.

Harden missed the start of the team's training camp to attend a party in Atlanta after requesting a trade from Houston. He was partying in Las Vegas before reporting to camp.

James Harden reacts and raises his hands during a Rockets game in 2020.
James Harden asked for a trade from the Rockets before the 2020-21 season.Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Harden left the Brooklyn Nets to join the 76ers, and it was reported that his off-court habits were seen as a sign that he was wavering on his commitment to the team.

Harden continued his late-night social activities this season, raising eyebrows from teammates as the team was on a losing streak and Western Conference road trip.

Harden missed the Utah Jazz game due to a injury and didn't show up until halftime, according to Bleacher Report. Harden flew to Las Vegas while the team flew to Denver for a game against the Nuggets.

Harden played his final game for the Nets against the Kings on February 2. The Nets believed Harden was trying to send a message with his lack of effort, according to reports.

The 76ers didn't respond to a request for comment.

Harden used to schedule time for off-court socializing even when he wasn't trying to force a trade. In December of 2020, Tim MacMahon reported that Harden had a major influence on the travel schedule of the Houston Rockets, with the team often staying overnight in cities that were among Harden's favorite stops.

Harden would often charter a private jet to Las Vegas to party if there were several days between games.

Harden has been among the NBA's most dominant players over the last decade. He led the NBA in scoring for three straight seasons and posted one of the highest usage rates ever.

If they have multiple days off, everyone knows that James is going to fly somewhere else and party. He is going to come back and have a 50-point triple-double, so they are okay with it.

James Harden looks up during game in 2021.
James Harden.Corey Sipkin/AP Images

"The worst contract in NBA history"

Harden's heavy usage and less-than-ideal treatment of his body raises concerns about how he will age.

Harden was out of shape entering training camp, according to reports. At the beginning of last season, Harden faced similar criticisms.

When Harden wanted out of Houston, some teams weren't thrilled with the idea of getting Harden as he played into his 30s.

There are teams that are concerned about how he is going to age, how his game will age, in part because of the perception and reality that he is out at night a lot.

Harden said he would pick up the $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season. He is eligible for a four-year extension. He can sign a five-year, $270 million contract with the 76ers if he opts out of his player option.

Harden's next contract will be the worst in league history according to Bobby Marks, a former assistant GM with the Nets.

We are going to be talking about James Harden in three years, like we are talking about Russell Westbrook. It will be the worst contract in NBA history when he is 38 years old.

It would make any team queasy, but Harden&s history makes it worse.

The worst contract in NBA history isn't thrown around with players like James, who is set to make $47 million next year as he turns 38. The Nets were not criticized for giving a $194 million extension to a player who has injury concerns.

Harden will be paid more than James and Durant.

James Harden dribbles a ball up the court.
James Harden.John Bazemore/AP Images

There is debate within the NBA world if Harden has begun to decline. His scoring average has dipped in consecutive years, and this season he is shooting less than 30% from three, which is his least efficient season since his freshman year.

Is that the sign of wear-and-tear? The burden of years carrying offenses on a body that has not been cared for. Or was Harden just going through the motions and not interested in playing for a team with injuries? Maybe all three?

The 76ers pursued Harden and ended up with him. Harden's GM in Houston, led by GM Daryl Morey, know Harden's game and know about his off-court habits.

The 76ers acquired a second star they believe can get them to a championship. How successful this pair will be is one of the major questions.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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