NBA Rumors: Where James Harden, Bradley Beal Are Likely To Sign In 2022 Free Agency

James Harden and Bradley Beal have become the best players in free agency, declining the options in their contracts for the 2022-2023 NBA season. The two guards can technically sign with any team, but it would be surprising if either player is wearing a new uniform next year.

Harden turned down a $47.3 million salary for next season. The three-time scoring champ is expected to return to the Philadelphia 76ers on a reduced annual salary, giving the team more salary cap flexibility this summer.

The 76ers can sign a free agent with the $10.5 million mid-level exception and retain Harden on a new, multi-year deal. Philadelphia is targeting P.J. Tucker on a three-year, $30 million contract, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Beal’s most likely option is re-signing with the Washington Wizards. By turning down his $36.4 million option, Beal is eligible to ink a five-year contract worth approximately $251 million with the Wizards. Teams with enough cap space to give Beal a max contract can offer him close to $194 million over four years.

Both players might prefer to stay with their respective teams, but their free agency's could be uneventful primarily because so few teams have cap space.

The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic all have less than $30 million to spend in free agency after missing the playoffs for multiple seasons in a row. The San Antonio Spurs’ cap space won’t go to a high-priced free agent after the team agreed to trade Dejounte Murray and is likely headed for a full rebuild. The New York Knicks’ cap space is reportedly going to Jalen Brunson.

Harden’s decision to hit free agency will help improve Philadelphia’s roster, though he might not be sacrificing much—if any—money over the long-term. Harden could sign a multi-year contract worth around $35 million per season. Harden would be taking a pay cut for the upcoming season, but given his recent declining performance, it’s uncertain how much any team would pay him as a free agent next summer.

In 21 regular-season games with Philadelphia, Harden shot a career-low 40.2% from the field. He averaged just 18.6 points per game in the playoffs, including an 11-point performance when the 76ers were eliminated in the second round.

Beal has a better chance than Harden to find himself on a new team next season. It’s possible that the three-time All-Star could work out a sign-and-trade to a team that doesn’t have cap space. The more likely scenario is that Beal inks a five-year deal with the Wizards, and if he wants out of Washington in the future, he’ll ask for a trade.

Prior to missing half of last season with injuries, Beal averaged at least 30.5 points per game in back-to-back seasons.