James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers are not on good terms right now, according to NBA insider Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice. 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, who 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.
“Harden and his representation may not hold ill will toward his teammates, but there’s still a rift between him/them and management, and there is a growing expectation that rift could lead to an even uglier battle, sources said,” Neubeck wrote.
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 & Los Angeles Clippers 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 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 & Los Angeles Clippers 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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