The James Harden trade dilemma seems to be getting really hard to navigate with. Over the last few days things have been beginning to get even more soar between him and the Philadelphia 76ers. The organization seems to have every intention to work things out and move ahead into the 2023-24 season. But Harden doesn’t seem to be reciprocating the same interests.
Recently, the 10x All-Star chose to be away from Philadelphia during the Sixers scheduled media day event. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed a few details regarding Harden’s plans moving forward. He said, “James Harden wants a trade. He wants to make the 76ers uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, ultimately, they don’t think they’ll get the best out of him and make a trade.”
James Harden is expected to show up to the Sixers’ training camp as soon as today, according to @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/RyACug8EMY
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 3, 2023
This is certainly bad news for the Sixers, as they will have put in every ounce of efforts they’ve got left to trade him. James Harden plans to attend training camp even though he initially didn’t want to.
However, the catch is that he will not be arriving at the training camp facility at the Colorado State University with his teammates. Instead, he wishes to isolate himself from everybody as it would ultimately force the Sixers to intervene and trade him. Harden’s plan will definitely ruin the chemistry within the locker room.
The Sixers are looking for a James Harden equal or tradable assets
Shortly after he requested a trade from Philadelphia, James Harden revealed that his desired trade destination is the LA Clippers. The Sixers tried to work things out with the Clippers a few months ago considering that they were the only team with satisfactory assets. However, the Sixers did not receive the ideal offers in exchange for Harden. Teams aren’t interested in him otherwise. Wojnarowski revealed that the Sixers have an asking price for Harden.
He told ESPN, “The Clippers have been on again, off again talking with the Sixers for months about a James Harden trade. I’m told they have talked again recently, but there’s been no movement. The Sixers are asking for a lot to trade Harden. They want to get back enough, either a player that can help them now or the assets, more likely, that they could use to go get that player.”
“[The Sixers & Clippers] have talked again recently, but there’s been no movement. The Sixers are asking for a lot to trade Harden. They want to get back enough, either a player that can help them now or the assets, more likely, that they could use to go get that player”@wojespn https://t.co/EJVmrSWjFx pic.twitter.com/CrgBrNBl41
— Dru (@dru_star) October 3, 2023
LA is the only team that has interest or suitable assets to acquire James Harden. But if the former MVP’s plans don’t go according to his wishes, and if he chooses to sit out for his remaining time in Philly, it may backfire on him.
The CBA guidelines state that players who do not show up for more than 30 games during the final season on their contract will be forced to complete it during the following season. Additionally, they will be banned from entering free agency until they fulfill their contracts.