3 Factors That Stand Out In Latest James Harden Drama Report

The James Harden saga has been brewing all last season. Here, we'll unpack some pivotal points.

For the second time in three summers, the Philadelphia 76ers are entering training camp with a disgruntled All-Star-caliber player. First, it was the three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, who tried to force his way out before the new season started. This time, it’s the ten-time All-Star, James Harden.

A lot has happened since the Sixers dropped their Game 7 matchup against the Boston Celtics back in May. Just a couple of days after the loss, the team fired Doc Rivers three years into his five-year deal. Soon after, Rivers was replaced by former Toronto Raptors coach, Nick Nurse.

As the Sixers concluded their coaching search, all of the focus was then placed on Harden, who was rumored to be eyeing a return to the Houston Rockets. Nurse clarified that he would like Harden back on the Sixers, but the Harden-to-Houston reports were too loud to ignore.

In the end, the Houston talk turned out to be more of a leverage play than anything. In the days leading up to free agency, the Rockets suddenly turned their attention to available guards Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. When it became clear the Rockets would avoid bringing back their blast from the past, Harden attempted to kickstart talks on a multi-year deal with the Sixers before the expiration date of his player option arrived.

In a recently published report with specific details of the Harden saga, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne noted that Philly’s President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, was not taking calls from Harden's camp in the days leading up to free agency. This summer, it’s been made apparent that the Sixers were doing all they could to avoid landing in hot water with the league after being slapped with multiple punishments due to tampering last offseason. Harden reportedly wanted to be the exception. When he wasn’t, he felt “ghosted,” according to Shelburne.

Back in May, it was reported that Harden would decline his player option for the 2023-2024 NBA season and hit the free agency market with intentions of cashing in with a multi-year deal after his season of sacrifice in Philly. Although Harden was going to test the unrestricted free agency waters, the door for a return to Philly was still open. 

However, the ten-time All-Star shocked everybody when he picked up the option. Along with securing his $35 million bag, Harden requested a trade from the 76ers. Months later, he remains on the roster and is publicly disgruntled for the third time in a few years. 

When Harden first arrived in Philadelphia at the conclusion of the Ben Simmons saga, it was a fresh start for all parties. Simmons would get a chance to escape the criticism after a rough playoff series in 2021. Harden would leave the Brooklyn drama that began brewing in 2021, and the Sixers would get a top player to pair alongside the MVP candidate, Joel Embiid.

Harden’s arrival in Philadelphia was all sunshine — and the skies remained clear when the Sixers re-signed him at a discount cost so they could bring in help he was familiar with last summer. Unfortunately, Harden’s frustration brewed throughout his first full season with the Sixers, and it apparently started with his All-Star snub.

The All-Star Snub

“The first hint that Harden's "sacrifice" wasn't being appreciated, much less rewarded in the way he hoped, came in late January when he wasn't voted to be an All-Star. Harden, who had made 10 consecutive All-Star games, was dismayed at the snub, sources said.”

According to Shelburne, being left off the All-Star roster for the 2023 game was a tough pill to swallow for Harden. As he was voted into the big game every season for a decade straight, Harden was under the impression that his reputation and value to the 76ers in 2022-2023 was enough to get him the votes he needed to pick up his 11th selection.

Harden nearly did that as an injury replacement. According to the report, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was “prepared” to name Harden as an injury replacement. When the standout guard wouldn’t assure the league he would play, they pivoted to Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. 

Battles With Doc

James Harden didn’t have much to say about his head coach, Doc Rivers after the Sixers dropped Game 7 against the Celtics in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. While he described their relationship as “OK,” it was a clear sign that Harden was growing sour on the head coach if he hadn’t already.

"In mid-December, Rivers lit into Harden for taking the final three shots in regulation of a double-overtime loss to the young and lottery-bound-again Rockets, sources said. It wasn't that Rivers didn't trust Harden to take the final three shots -- he had allowed him to run the offense and call his own number on the final play of regulation by not calling a timeout following a defensive rebound. It's that the Rockets had no answer for Embiid (39 points) all night and Harden wasn't shooting well (4-for-19). …. When questioned in the film session, Harden demurred, saying he just couldn't get the ball to Embiid, sources said. These flare-ups between Harden and Rivers continued throughout the season.”

Whether it was laying into Harden during a team film session or attempting to hold Harden accountable for traveling separately to team destinations, Rivers’ approach with the star guard didn’t help the Sixers get any further than they needed to be. 

When the Sixers decided to move on from Rivers, rumors around the league hinted that Harden indirectly influenced some of the decision. As the 76ers hoped Harden would return for next season, it became apparent that the Harden-Rivers relationship would not mix correctly for another run. 

What’s The Big Man Thinking?

Do you ever think that the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, is getting tired of this stuff? The guy has been through a lot of drama since joining the 76ers. Whether it’s the injuries, the failed high-profile picks, the GM tweeting from a burner account, or the Simmons saga, Embiid has dealt with a lot of nonsense throughout his professional journey.

On the bright side, it was suggested that the big man is doing fine despite the recent saga that’s playing out.

“Thus far, Embiid has given the franchise assurances he is OK riding out the current drama with Harden, sources said. How long he gives them to resolve the matter remains to be seen.”

Embiid publicly admitted he was disappointed in Harden’s trade request but claimed they were on great terms, personally. Shelburne even added that Harden was on the guest list of the big man’s wedding this summer, even though he didn’t attend.

Everybody has a breaking point, and Embiid isn’t immune to that. Fortunately, he’s proving to be extremely tolerant of the drama that’s occurred over the years. As long as Harden isn’t traded, the Sixers will have to continue dealing with the distraction, barring an unexpected change of heart. 

The good news is that Embiid remains positive as he looks to defend his MVP title.