James Harden told NBA reporters on October 13 that when he got traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021-22, he wanted to retire with the Sixers. However, The Beard said the front office “didn’t have that in their future plans.”
Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers. The 2017-18 MVP wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Philadelphia and Los Angeles have talked about a Harden trade, but no deal is close to being made.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Daryl Morey, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Harden felt Daryl Morey ghosted him before free agency started. Rather than wait for Morey and the Sixers to present whatever offer they had come up with once free agency opened on July 1, Harden decided to pick up his $35.6 million player option before the June 30 deadline and request a trade.
The Sixers were stunned at Harden’s decision, insisting to him and his representatives they had been distant only because they were hit with the largest tampering fine in NBA history and that they had every intention of re-signing him as soon as the rules allowed. However, it was too late.
Harden exercised his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season in June with an expectation that Morey would work with him on finding a trade to the Clippers. The Sixers and Clippers engaged in numerous conversations but never gained traction on a deal.
In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Daryl Morey, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
According to NBA insiders Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Clippers offered the Sixers an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap and salaries for Harden in July. Philadelphia has valued Terance Mann and multiple first-round picks.
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