Possible tampering with the signings of James Harden and P.J. Tucker.
The league is investigating Harden’s choice to forego a raise for the upcoming season.
The NBA has launched an investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers for possible tampering with the team’s offseason signings of James Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Danuel House Jr. The probe revolves around Harden’s choice to forego his $47 million player option for the 2022–2023 season in favor of a smaller deal, which gave the Sixers the cap room they needed to sign House and Tucker.
Questions about Harden’s decision to forego a $47.4 million player option for 2022–2023 and accept a salary reduction on a new two-year, $68 million contract are one of the main topics of the league’s investigation, according to sources. Throughout the league, there have been concerns about whether a handshake deal on a potential contract has already been made, which would go against the norms of collective bargaining.
Sources Presents
According to insiders, Sixers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey has already started responding to the league’s lawyers’ inquiries. It is anticipated that the probe would involve speaking with team members and that the organization will provide phone and electronic data to league investigators.
Before the start of free agency on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, teams were not permitted to speak with players or agents about contracts.
P.J. Tucker
The Sixers may be subject to fines, the forfeiture of draught picks, or the suspension of executives if they are finally found guilty of tampering. For tampering with free agents Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry, the league fined the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat each a second-round pick the previous season. Perhaps Philadelphia will receive a similar punishment.
There were rumors about Philadelphia’s interest in Tucker in particular weeks before the start of free agency.
When describing the kind of player the Sixers needed to sign after being defeated by Tucker’s Heat in the Eastern Conference playoffs in May, Sixers center Joel Embiid even specifically named Tucker.
“You observe someone who resembles P.J. Tucker. Excellent player, but it’s not about his shooting percentage. Whether he is defending or regaining the ball, it is about what he does “said Embiid. “When playing defense, he plays with a lot of vigor and confidence that he can get from point A to point B and that no one can defeat him. He’s also tough. He’s tough and just physically strong.”