James Harden was a no-show at Philadelphia 76ers practice on October 18, and according to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, this is “only the beginning” of what the former MVP is planning to do to force a trade.
Harden is angry at Sixers president Daryl Morey for not trading him to the Los Angeles Clippers. It appears the 10-time All-Star is ready to go to great lengths to get traded.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Unless Harden shares a reason for his absence that the Sixers deem worthy of being excused, all signs point toward Harden being fined by the team going forward. Harden, who remains furious at Morey for his handling of this situation, has stayed in communication with the team by way of general manager Elton Brand, according to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Harden was fined $100,000 by the NBA for calling Morey “a liar” during his Adidas tour in China. Harden called Morey a liar since he wasn’t traded quickly after opting into his 2023-24 player option.
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 have engaged in numerous conversations but have 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. The Sixers beat the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in four games but lost to the Boston Celtics in the semifinals in seven games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden has requested trades from the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets. He was traded by both teams. It will be fascinating to see who breaks first between Harden and the Sixers.
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