Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey’s asking price for James Harden is exorbitant, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Sixers are believed to be asking for a lot for Harden because they feel comfortable with the idea of him returning to the team next season.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option. The 2017-18 MVP wants the Sixers to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers, but Morey and Co. don’t have to honor Harden’s trade request since he’s under contract and doesn’t have a no-trade clause.
“His asking price is exorbitant,” Wojnarowski said. “Teams are not engaging the Sixers with the kind of asks that Daryl Morey is asking for James Harden. That’s where Daryl Morey always starts in trade talks, really high. Over time, perhaps, you work him back down.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
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.
Harden is extremely upset at the way in which Philly handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the franchise. There was initially strong optimism on Harden’s side that he would be traded to the Clippers since both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are said to be on board with the idea of Harden potentially joining them in Los Angeles.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
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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