The James Harden trade scenario might be the only one that remains untouched. The last week has been mind-boggling with the number of player swaps that have taken place. One of the biggest scenarios besides Harden’s trade was getting Damian Lillard out of Portland. Somehow, the Trail Blazers facilitated a three-team trade to send him to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Portland had received Jrue Holiday in return and the Philadelphia 76ers had their eyes on him. Reports claimed that the Sixers were trying to re-engage with the LA Clippers and the Blazers to possibly work out a three-team trade just like Lillard’s deal. The Clippers and Sixers were interested in Holiday which created a perfect scenario for a multi-team swap. However, barely any efforts were made, and the 2x All-Star was dealt the Boston Celtics.
After yet another failed trade attempt, it doesn’t seem like James Harden will be going anywhere before the start of the 2023-24 season. Harden requested to be traded a few months ago despite signing a $35.6 million player extension. Later, he went on to publicly humiliate Daryl Morey by calling him a liar. James was fined $100,000 by the NBA for hinting that he would not perform duties as per his contract.
James Harden may be forced to play in Philadelphia
Daryl Morey and his team stated that the Sixers are planning to bring James Harden to training camp. However, the 10x All-Star has no intention to work with the organization again. Recently, NBA teams participated in their annual media day. Players of all teams were present including the ones who recently got traded. But Harden was nowhere to be seen during the Sixers’ media session. In fact, he wasn’t present in Philadelphia either.
I am starting to wonder if anyone has told Harden that this clause exists that could literally end his career https://t.co/XOcNUeTAGj pic.twitter.com/3YpROpXAwz
— Hoops Reference (@HoopsReference) October 2, 2023
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Harden did not appear for media day as he currently awaits a trade from the Sixers. If the former MVP does not show up for any longer, then the NBA might force him to play. There is a clause in the CBA that not everyone is aware of. If a player does not exercise his contractual duties for more than 30 days of the final season covered by his contract, he will not be allowed to enter free agency.
This also means that the player will not be allowed to sign with another team within the organization or any professional team outside of the NBA. So, if James Harden decides to stay away from the Sixers for a prolonged period, it may backfire on him. Morey has stated that he is willing to wait it out but Harden remains adamant about being traded immediately.