The Philadelphia 76ers are “attempting” to keep James Harden despite the organization knowing the former NBA MVP is upset, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and wants the Sixers to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, Philadelphia and Los Angeles have had sluggish trade talks on Harden.
“Yet despite all that relevant history, and in spite of the fact that Morey may know Harden, and all of his complexities, better than anyone in the NBA, rival executives with whom I spoke at summer league were universally convinced that the Sixers are now attempting to keep Harden,” Amick wrote. “Discontent be damned.
“The sluggish trade talks between the Sixers and Clippers about Harden would seem to support this stance. Morey is known to be asking for the kind of return that — as of Tuesday afternoon — left the strong impression that he had no genuine interest in getting a deal done anytime soon.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden recently spoke to the Sixers and reiterated his trade request. However, since Harden doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, Philadelphia doesn’t have to honor the 10-time All-Star’s trade request.
After Harden learned about the Sixers’ plans to not give him a max contract this offseason, he opted into his player option and requested a trade. The future Hall of Famer believes he should be compensated fairly after averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
New Sixers guard Patrick Beverley met with reporters on July 10 and he publicly recruited Harden to stay in Philadelphia. Harden has been in contact with Beverley and Joel Embiid, two close friends of his.
Harden intends to “never wear” a Sixers uniform again, sources told NBA Analysis Network. The Sixers, though, are comfortable taking their time with Harden’s trade request and have no issue with “The Beard” being on the team to start next season.
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