The ongoing saga between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers has entered another controversial chapter as the NBA star remains absent from the team due to personal reasons. The regular season is just right around the corner and questions about Harden’s future with the team intensify.
James Harden is an important player for the 76ers and has been out with an excused absence for more than a week now. The team has been supportive, respecting his reasons for the leave. However, if Harden’s absence continues, they might impose financial penalties.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, starting from Thursday, the 76ers could potentially fine Harden up to $390,000 for every game he misses. This move would impact his $35.6 million salary for the season.
“It is unclear when and if James Harden plans to return to Philadelphia,” Adrian Wojnarowski said. “They [Sixers] are certainly within their rights to start fining James Harden as much as $390,000 a game for each missed game. And that comes out of his $35.6 million salary this season.”
“It is unclear when and if James Harden plans to return to Philadelphia.”@wojespn on Harden’s excused absence. pic.twitter.com/LK0Bf3g1P7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 23, 2023
Harden’s desire for a trade has been known to the public, even though the reasons for his absence remain unknown. The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly his preferred destination, but no actual negotiations have taken place. Wojnarowski stated that despite the ongoing issues, the 76ers still want Harden in their lineup.
Stephen A. Smith questions James Harden’s loyalty
As the drama develops, many NBA analysts have expressed their opinions. Stephen A. Smith has been one of them, on a recent episode of First Take, Smith was candid about Harden’s situation.
Initially, Smith seemed supportive of Harden. He expressed sympathy for the player and said that Harden might have been misled by the 76ers’ president, Daryl Morey. But Smith shifted his tone quickly when he addressed the impact of the ongoing scenario on Harden’s reputation stating, “James Harden, bro, you looking bad and you looking worse every day.”
Smith recalled Harden’s previous attempts to switch teams, emphasizing that this wasn’t the first time Harden’s loyalty had come into question. Smith particularly mentioned the rumored lack of interest from the Miami Heat, suggesting that they didn’t want to deal with Harden’s unpredictable nature.
“I’m not trusting James Harden,” Smith said, suggesting that Harden’s tendency to abandon a franchise amid challenges is concerning. The controversy around Harden’s loyalty and commitment is bolstered by figures like Stephen A. Smith. As the NBA season is about to start, fans, teams, and analysts all are eagerly waiting for Harden’s next move.