If the Philadelphia 76ers don’t trade James Harden before training camp starts, Harden could show up to camp and cause “chaos,” according to NBA insider Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, but Philadelphia remains resistant to trading Harden unless the deal maintains or enhances their ability to win a championship.
“Why would he not? When you know the chaos he could bring just by showing up,” an NBA source familiar with Harden’s camp told Yahoo Sports.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
If Harden isn’t traded before training camp starts and he holds out for more than 30 days, the Sixers can prevent him from entering free agency in the summer of 2024, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN. Since Harden is in the final year of his contract, different NBA holdout rules would apply to him if he decided not to report to training camp and play.
The Sixers agreed to search out a trade upon Harden’s request after he agreed to pick up his $35.6 million player option for next season in June. However, Philadelphia’s asking price for Harden was steep and no teams were willing or able to meet it. The Sixers believe they will be a championship contender with Harden’s return alongside Joel Embiid and the team is determined to find a way to make it work with Harden next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
However, Harden intends to never play for the Sixers again. In fact, Harden calling president Daryl Morey a liar is just the beginning of what he’s going to do to make the Sixers uncomfortable, according to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
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