James Harden wasn’t at Philadelphia 76ers practice on October 18. The 2017-18 MVP, who has requested a trade from the Sixers to the Los Angeles Clippers, is currently in Houston. Joel Embiid, who won the MVP Award last season, spoke to NBA reporters about Harden’s absence.
Embiid, who signed a four-year, $210 million extension with the Sixers in 2021, wants Harden to stay in Philadelphia. However, Harden intends to “never wear” a Sixers uniform again as long as Daryl Morey is employed by the franchise, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid is averaging 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds with the Sixers. He has made six All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and three All-Defensive teams and won one MVP Award. However, the Sixers have never gotten past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era.
Embiid averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. He won the MVP Award over Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Philadelphia swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2023 playoffs but lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games.
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid is not expected to request a trade from the Sixers this season, but he could ask for a trade next offseason depending on how the Harden trade request plays out and how many games Philadelphia wins this season.
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