James Harden wants the Philadelphia 76ers to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers. He hasn’t played in any preseason games and was a no-show at practice on October 18. However, Tyrese Maxey told NBA reporter Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports that he still has a good relationship with Harden.
“Me and James are still close. He’s like a big brother,” Maxey said. “As soon as he came in here, he embraced me. He taught me a lot. All he’s done here is elevate my game.”
The Sixers acquired Harden from the Brooklyn Nets in 2021-22. Philadelphia lost to the Miami Heat in the 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals and fell to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 semifinals. Harden is averaging 21.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists in 79 games with the Sixers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Maxey is one of the top young players in the NBA. He averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season while shooting 48.1% from the field, 43.4% from beyond the arc and 84.5% from the free-throw line.
Maxey has career NBA averages of 15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2020 draft and has turned into a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
“When I see stuff early, sometimes I don’t say stuff, but you should, you know what I’m saying?” Maxey said. “Now I’m trying to get into the space of where if I see it, I say it, I speak up on it and be able to execute.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
If the Sixers trade Harden, Maxey’s usage rate will skyrocket. Philadelphia opens the season on October 26 versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
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