James Harden, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, posted a cryptic message to Instagram last month in which he said he was prepared to become uncomfortable. Many thought his letter was about his current trade request at the moment. Harden asked for a trade as soon as he decided to stay with the Sixers for the 2023–2024 campaign.
Although the Los Angeles Clippers expressed interest, there wasn’t much momentum right away. Normally, time heals all wounds, but not in this instance. Even though many expected Harden to get traded right away, he didn’t, but his perspective remained the same. Harden repeated his position a few weeks after making his initial trade request.
At this point, Harden is still a member of the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster after exerting pressure on the Sixers several times. Los Angeles doesn’t appear to think they have to yield because they have the leverage, despite the Clippers’ refusal to accept Daryl Morey’s high asking price.
Matter of when not IF Harden and 76ers cut ties
The Sixers allegedly chose to stop trade negotiations on Saturday night. The Sixers aim to have Harden present for training camp, “setting up an uncomfortable situation,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In addition, Wojnarowski stated that the Sixers are “determined to find a way to make it work” with the ten-time All-Star. Harden is not expected to participate in training camp this season, according to a rumour that surfaced shortly after the Sixers reportedly stopped trade discussions with the Clippers.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the star guard is once again making it apparent that his time in Philadelphia is up. Harden is accustomed to both situations. The All-Star guard requested a trade before the start of training camp for his final season with the Houston Rockets in 2020. Even though Harden eventually returned to his team, he only participated in eight games during the regular season before joining the Brooklyn Nets.
Harden developed a grudge against the Nets again during his second season there. He had intended to play for the Nets the entire 2021–2022, but he forced his way out after 44 games.
Despite Harden being aware of hamstring issues following a significant injury in the playoffs in 2021, many questioned the guard’s performance during his final few weeks with the organization. The Harden saga might still change course this offseason. There is still plenty of time.
However, as things stand, the Sixers have no intention of considering trade proposals in an effort to sever all ties with the disgruntled playmaker. Regarding the Sixers, Harden appears to have checked out. It’s probably a matter of when, not if, the Sixers finally cut connections with The Beard, as history has a way of repeating itself.
