As the NBA prepares for another exciting season, the drama surrounding James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers front office takes center stage. The 10-time All-Star guard recently shared his disappointment comparing his tense relationship with the 76ers management to a broken marriage, and claiming it as damage beyond repair.
Harden’s dissatisfaction is mainly because of the broken trust between him and the Sixers’ team president, Daryl Morey. The two have a history that dates back to their days in the Houston Rockets. According to reports by The Athletic, a public feud happened between the two after Morey promised to trade Harden quickly when Harden opted into the final year of his contract.
Harden was open and honest about how he felt, comparing the trust problem to a failed marriage. “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 said to reporters after the practice session on Friday.
#Sixers PG James Harden said he had a relation with the front office (not referring Daryl Morey by name) for 10 years. Asked if he thinks it can repaired, Harden said, “No.” Then he explains why: pic.twitter.com/iTIlktx5Z1
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 13, 2023
The Sixers had planned to explore trade partners after Harden exercised his $35.6 million player option in June, but those plans failed because no other NBA team is willing to give the high asking price for Harden. Harden claims that the Sixers’ decision to end trade talks broke his trust.
NBA fans slam James Harden over recent statement
The basketball community took to social media to weigh in on the matter. Fans on the X shared their opinions on Harden’s recent comments. One user wrote, “More trade requests than MVPs and rings put together.”
More trade requests than MVPs and rings put together
— LakersSpin (@LakersSpin) October 13, 2023
Another user talked about Harden’s famous love for nightlife, saying, “His relationship with front office always became beyond repair when he doesn’t have enough strip clubs near him🤷🏽♂️.”
His relationship with front office always became beyond repair when he doesnt have enough strip clubs near him🤷🏽♂️
— Squidward Sports (@SquidwardsRage) October 13, 2023
Another fan referred to Harden’s history, writing, “Everything is always ‘beyond repair’ with this guy. This all started in Houston when Daryl Morey gave James EVERYTHING he could ever want…regardless…he still left and has expected the Red Carpet treatment everywhere he has gone since. Dude is a quitter.”
Everything is always “beyond repair” with this guy. This all started in Houston when Daryl Morey gave James EVERYTHING he could ever want…regardless…he still left and has expected the Red Carpet treatment everywhere he has gone since. Dude is a quitter 😑😑
— King Rei (@xKingRei) October 13, 2023
As the drama continues to grow, the important question that arises here is What are Harden’s plans for the upcoming season? Even though there were rumors that Harden would not join the 76ers training camp, surprisingly he’s showing his utmost professionalism. The team’s new head coach, Nick Nurse, seems positive about Harden’s participation in the upcoming preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets. When questioned about his playing intentions, Harden said, “My plan is to play basketball, yes for sure.”
Adding another layer to the story, Harden revealed his initial intention of retiring as a Sixer, a plan that was not supported by the 76ers’ front office. However, with an average of 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds from the previous season, all eyes will be on Harden as the new season starts. It will be interesting to see if he is able to repair his relationship with the Sixers or make a move elsewhere.