In the contract year, can Harden still get a maximum salary at the age of 36? Average of 18+5 per game, three major reasons make each team give up

The tiebreak battle between the Clippers and the Nuggets has come to an end. If you want to choose the most disappointing player, Harden will definitely be elected with a high vote. On such a highly anticipated stage, Harden was completely lost again. The Clippers were beaten by the Nuggets 101-120. The team was uncompetitive on both offense and defense, and the leader Harden was even more invisible. This year is Harden's contract year. Is he still worth a maximum salary contract at the age of 36? Average of 18 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists per game, and the three major reasons made each team give up.

Harden is one of the top defenders in the league. He won the regular season MVP trophy at his peak, and also won the scoring king three times, was crowned the league assist king, and was selected into the Best Team 6 times. When it comes to personal resume, Harden is definitely at the ceiling level. However, Harden on the playoff stage is always disappointing. After the Clippers failed this season, the team will face a choice. Harden, who is in the contract year, also has to face the following three reasons.

First: Harden's own strength. In the past few years, Harden has been playing in the Nets, the Sixers and the Clippers, and his performance has not been satisfactory. During the regular season this season, Harden played 79 games with a high attendance rate. He delivered a comprehensive data average of 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, leading the team to the playoffs. On the playoff stage, Harden has declined, with only averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 43%. So judging from his own strength, Harden is now a good starter, but he is not a player with a maximum salary.

Second: Harden's age. Harden will be 36 years old this year. For any player, this age is a full veteran, and Harden is not a player of the level of James, Curry and Durant, and his personal ability has declined significantly. Another thing is that Harden's business value is not that great. After signing the next contract for many years, Harden has become older and decline is inevitable, so from this perspective, Harden is obviously not worth the maximum salary.

Third: Harden's key combat ability. In the first round of the Battle of Tianwang Mountain this year, Harden made 3 of 9 shots in the game, only scored 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and his personal stealth and the team lost. In the tiebreak battle, Harden made 2 of 8 shots again, scoring only 7 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists, and the team was once again beaten. Combined with Harden's entire career, Harden will basically be lost in a critical battle. Harden's skills and abilities are fine, but his mentality and spiritual attributes are obviously not of the maximum salary.

For any team, the maximum salary contract is given to the team's core and it is to strive for the championship. Harden, 36, cannot get a maximum salary in terms of his own strength, age or ability in key playoffs. So if Harden wants to win the championship, the best way is to continue to cut his salary.