NBA news: Is it time for the Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden to split up?

Many compared the new duo of him and Joel Embiid to Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. However, aside from an impressive Game 4 performance against the Miami Heat, Harden struggled to even come close to expectations during their entire play-off run. 

However, we live in a society where no one will feel sorry for you if you don't get the job done, especially with the price tag and the assets the Sixers had to give up just to get his signature.

Both these men were sent to the Brooklyn Nets, alongside Ben Simmons, in the deal that sent Harden to Philly.

The best-case scenario for the franchise would be for the player to opt into the final year of his contract, as that will give Philly one more year to determine how he would fit this roster with a training camp and full season under his belt.

However, if Harden opts out, then the S best hope is that no team offers Harden a max contract, and they can get him to agree to a team-friendly deal.

READ MORE: All-time leading scorers in NBA Playoff history