James Harden Opens Up About His Situation with the Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden discussed his situation with the Philadelphia 76ers with reporters Friday, saying he “wanted to retire a Sixer” when he was first traded to the team but the front office didn’t “have that in their future plans.” Here’s what you need to know:
Decisions, decisions
Remember that famous line from now-retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, who showed up to Super Bowl media day in 2015 and had just one thing to say about his presence?
“I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”
That’s the Harden experience at the moment, for the most part. He’s playing ball with the Sixers for two reasons, as he doesn’t want the organization to have the ability to dip into his pockets and he wants to show that he’s ready to roll for the Clippers whenever — and if, ever — Morey decides to send him to his preferred destination.
Harden’s media appearance came with similar themes, as he avoided getting fined by the NBA for not doing his duties on that front while making it clear that nothing has changed about his stance in this sensitive situation. As he made clear, his relationship with Morey that has been the driving force behind his trade request appears irreparable. — Sam Amick, senior NBA writer
Could, or should, Harden play?
The next question here is when we’ll see Harden actually playing in a game. While he took part in training camp in Fort Collins, Colo., he was one of several players who didn’t play in the first two preseason games (both against Boston). The Sixers play another preseason game at Brooklyn on Monday.
So where do things stand on the Harden trade front? Status quo, it seems, with the Sixers holding firm on an asking price that continues to be above what the Clippers can and will provide. As Shams Charania and I reported recently, the Clippers have been trying to gather additional draft assets from teams around the league to increase their offer (which, per Shams, was an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap and matching salaries back in July).
The Sixers have been very skeptical of the Clippers’ ability to meet their trade threshold anytime soon, and believe that it would help Harden’s market — and the leverage element in regard to the Clippers — if he played like his former MVP self and reminded other teams that he’s worth pursuing. — Amick
Backstory
Harden skipped the team’s media day on Oct. 2. Morey said at the time that Harden continues to seek a trade and the Sixers are “working with his representation to resolve that in the best way for the 76ers and hopefully all parties.”
Throughout the summer, the 10-time All-Star reiterated his desire is to not play for the Sixers. He opted into his $35.6 million deal in August for the upcoming season in order for him and the 76ers to work together on a trade out of Philadelphia. Tensions escalated that month when Harden made the “liar” comment about Morey while speaking at a marketing event in China after the Sixers decided to end trade talks.
The NBA subsequently launched an inquiry into Harden’s comments — which he said referred to Morey saying Harden would be traded “quickly” — and fined the player $100,000 for his public trade demands. In turn, the National Basketball Players Association said it would file a grievance regarding the discipline.
Harden averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game last season and helped the Sixers advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, which they lost in seven games to the Boston Celtics.
Conclusion
James Harden’s situation with the Philadelphia 76ers remains tense and unresolved. Despite his initial hopes of retiring as a Sixer, it seems that the front office has different plans for him. Harden continues to practice with the team, but he has made it clear that his relationship with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is irreparable. He still hopes for a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers and believes that playing well during the preseason will increase his market value. The Sixers, however, are holding firm on their asking price and are skeptical of the Clippers’ ability to meet it. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen when and if Harden will play in a game for the Sixers.