PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are under investigation by the NBA for possible tampering in off-season free-agency moves involving James Harden, PJ Tucker and Danuel House, a person familiar with the situation told The The Bharat Express News on Friday night.
The person, speaking on condition of anonymity as the investigation is ongoing, said the team is cooperating with the investigation.
Harden signed a deal worth just over $68 million, paying him about $33 million this season with a $35 million player option for the 2023-24 season. However, Harden will make about $14.5 million less next season than he could have made under his previous deal. Harden had a $47.4 million option for next season, which he declined last month because he wanted to give the 76ers flexibility to improve their roster and compete for a championship.
ESPN reported Friday that there are questions where Harden and the Sixers “have a handshake agreement for a future contract”.
Tucker signed a three-year $30 million contract and House signed for $8.4 million over two years. The Sixers were able to sign Tucker for the full mid-level exception and House for the biennial exception because Harden turned down his option.
