(08-20-2026, 12:26 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: @shamscharania
BREAKING: James Harden has agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option and a trade kicker, agents Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports told ESPN.
Harden's career earnings will now reach $511 million, making him the fourth player in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark, joining the 76ers' LeBron James, the Rockets' Kevin Durant and the Warriors' Stephen Curry.
Harden turns 37 next Wednesday (Aug. 26), and when the 11-time NBA All-Star officially signs, he will become the second player in league history to sign for over $90 million in guaranteed salary at age 37 or older, with LeBron being the other.
I think this shows why it is EASIER to win in the NBA now more than ever before because your competition is for the most part STUPID. There are not a lot of competent front offices. We certainly know, as we have never had one in history until now.
The good news is that a competent coach, a mature front office and a basket of young players willing to sacrifice and play for each other, can compete pretty quickly. Because everyone else is throwing stupid money around on mediocre players that have proven never to be able to win anything of import.
Someone on here said a few months back that the NBA was just a soap opera for middle aged men. That's why its easier to win now, because most franchises are chasing storylines and the illusion of trying (see Cuban).
The few select franchises that focus on winning will, in fact, win.