How did taking a paycut in 2022 NBA offseason affect James Harden's contract with Philadelphia 76ers

Former MVP James Harden has been sidelined for several weeks while he heals from a foot injury that has derailed the Philadelphia 76ers' start to the season.

With Joel Embiid putting up near career-high numbers prior to going down for several games with a foot sprain, Harden's presence was sorely missed. Although he's targeting a return for next week, The Beard's contributions this offseason have continued to pay off.

Thanks to Harden's selflessness, the Philadelphia 76ers were in a position to bolster their roster this offseason when he opted out of his previously hefty contract.

The move was a pretty big story this summer, as the 76ers set their sights on a deep playoff run behind the duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden. Thanks to Harden opting out of his contract and accepting a lesser offer, the team used the money to sign other players.

It was a pretty bold move considering the fact that Harden was set to earn $47.4 million. After opting out, however, the team was able to use that money to sign P.J. Tucker, a veteran 3-and-D player who recently helped the Milwaukee Bucks win a championship. With the money the team saved by re-signing Harden for less, they were able to lock Tucker down to a three-year contract worth $33 million.

It was a huge signing for the 76ers, who were in need of some veteran leadership and championship experience. With Harden sidelined for the past month and Embiid playing in just 14 of the team's 22 games so far this season, the team needs all the help it can get.

Below, you can see some highlights from the 76ers' recent win over the top-ranked Atlanta Hawks.

The aftermath of James Harden re-signing for less money

James Harden (Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors)

Despite the fact that Harden wound up re-signing for less money, enabling the 76ers to bolster their roster, he doesn't feel he's gotten proper credit. As he explained earlier this season, his sacrifice hasn't gotten the coverage or appreciation he feels it deserves.

He spoke during an interview with The Athletic back in October shortly after the start of the season, saying:

"Nope, but guess what? I don’t care. There’s like a stereotype (of Harden) where people always want to talk. People don’t really know me, so they feel like they can just say anything. One thing I won’t do is give them any attention. I won’t say anything, media-wise, publicly. I don’t care, because I’m comfortable and I’m confident in the things I do on and off the court."

The situation in Philadelphia is a delicate one. After parting ways with Ben Simmons last season, the team looked prepared to make a deep playoff run. With Harden's leadership and veteran experience combined with Embiid's dominance on both ends of the floor, the stars were seemingly aligning.

Despite Harden's absence, and the injuries and illnesses that have plagued Embiid so far this season, the team sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 12-10, the team could be sparked by James Harden's projected return next week.