Despite a tumultuous off season, the Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2023-24 season with high expectations. Still, one big question mark surrounds the team: whether or not James Harden will stay in Philadelphia.
James Harden opted into his $35.6 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers on June 29, 2023, and requested a trade simultaneously. This is the third time in two and a half years that Harden has requested a trade after forcing his way out of Houston and Brooklyn.
Following his trade request, James Harden publicly accused President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey of being a “liar” during an event in China. He also stated that he “would not want to be part of any organization that Morey was associated with.” Before the start of the training camp, Harden was seen partying at a club with signs that read, “Daryl Morey is a liar.”
Harden stated on October 13th that repairing the relationship with Morey was impossible. He referred to Morey as “the front office” without using his name.
“No,” Harden said when asked if he thought things could repair his relationship with Morey. “This is not even about this situation — this is in life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage … you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.”
Harden reportedly wants to join the Los Angeles Clippers, but they are hesitant due to concerns about his age, health, and fit with their team culture. The Sixers have plans to trade him but are waiting for the correct package, hoping he can lead them to a championship.
Late last week, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Harden was in Houston and away from the team due to a personal matter. As a result, he did not show up for practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was ruled out of Friday night’s preseason finale vs. the Atlanta Hawks.
Harden did not play in any preseason games, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that “it is unclear if Harden will play” in the season opener against newly acquired Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the central story-line will be Harden’s trade request and where he will play.