I just started watching last play offs and don’t know a lot especially about cap space and contracts.

I read an article today that said the reason Harden left was because he was promised a max contract after cutting his paycheck by 25 mil so the Sixers can build a decent team.

My question is how could it be possible for the Sixers to give Harden a max if they couldn’t last year ? Like the reason he took a paycut was so the Sixers could add players to their depth , right?

So what changes the season after ? Like is there a rule that can help Sixers give Harden the max ? Or did Harden expect the Sixers to let go of many of their bench players so he could get a max?

It might be a dumb question and I’m not sure if I described it correctly , but if anyone could explain it would be appreciated.