Philadelphia 76ers rising star Tyrese Maxey spoke to NBA reporters on October 31 about the James Harden trade and said he enjoyed his time with The Beard. The Sixers traded Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal.
Maxey, who was close with Harden, said he texted his former teammate after the trade happened.
Maxey has been the primary ball handler for the Sixers this season with Harden out. Now that Harden has finally been traded, Maxey is primed to have a high usage rate.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden appeared in 79 games with the Sixers. He averaged 21.0 points and 10.6 assists. The future Hall of Famer led the NBA in assists per game last season.
The Sixers are 2-1 on the young season. Maxey has been sensational through the first three games, averaging 30.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field, 56.0% from beyond the arc and 91.3% from the free-throw line.
The Sixers opted not to sign Maxey to a rookie-scale extension this offseason, so the talented guard will become a restricted free agent next offseason. During an interview with Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Maxey talked about his contract status.
“It can be tough. It can be, you know, when you have expectations. But you’re not obligated to anything. I understand it’s the business aspect of it,” Maxey told Yahoo Sports. “I just look at it as I’m gonna go out there and still play. I’m still on the 76ers. I love it here and I want to help us win. And at the end of the day, that’s my contract and that’s what I’ll fulfill. I love Philly. And we’ll see what happens.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Many people around the NBA believe Maxey will make his first All-Star team this season now that Harden is gone. Thus far, the Kentucky product looks like an All-Star.
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