76ers’ Daryl Morey Reveals Wishes in James Harden Trade

Daryl Morey discussed the James Harden trade drama on Tuesday.

James Harden’s days as the Philadelphia 76ers’ primary facilitator are numbered. Although Harden picked up his player option with the Sixers for the 2023-2024 run, he followed up his decision by telling Daryl Morey and the front office he would like to be traded.

At that point, it was reported that Harden likely played his final game in a Sixers uniform. Considering how quickly the Bradley Beal blockbuster trade played out this offseason, many expected Harden and the Sixers to conclude their relationship just as fast.

That hasn’t been the case. With only the Los Angeles Clippers in the mix for Harden, there isn’t much of a demand for the disgruntled ten-time All-Star. With that, the Clippers don’t feel a need to give up too much, considering they have most of the leverage in the situation.

On Tuesday, Daryl Morey spoke freely about the situation on 97.5 The Fanatic. While confirming that rumors of Harden’s trade request are indeed legit, he went on to explain what he’s searching for in any potential deal for the veteran All-Star.

“James is a very good player, and right now, unfortunately, he does prefer to be somewhere else,” Morey explained. “I do have a long relationship with him. I’m attempting to honor that, but the reality is, if we do look at a trade, it’s going to be for one of two things. It’s either going to be for a player who continues to help us be right there like we were last year, up 3-2 on one of the best teams in the East, the Celtics. Obviously, we didn’t get it done, but James was a big part of why we got it to 3-2.”

With the MVP Joel Embiid and the emerging young star Tyrese Maxey still in the building, the Sixers don’t anticipate taking any steps back next season with or without Harden. At this point, any trade the Sixers make would have to benefit them in the short-term, as they’ve approached a championship-hopeful window over the last few seasons.

“Or [we’re] going to do it for something where we get enough draft picks and things like that in the deal so that we can then turn those into a player who is as it can be a running mate with Joel as well,” Morey continued. “If we don’t get either a very good player or something that we can turn into a very good player, then we’re just not going to do it.” 

Morey and the Sixers are no strangers to standoffs with disgruntled All-Stars. Just two summers ago, the Sixers dealt with a similar situation with Ben Simmons, who demanded a trade and refused to play throughout the 2021-2022 season as long as he remained in Philadelphia. As the situation played out for many months, Morey hoped Simmons would change his mind and return to the floor. Fast forward two seasons later, and he hopes there’s potentially a chance Harden does the same.

“If James were to turn his mind around, we would all be thrilled,” Morey finished. “You heard Joel’s comments about that, but at this moment, he does prefer to be traded, and we’re attempting to honor that.”

When the offseason officially started for the Sixers, Morey made it clear that the team was hoping to get Harden back for next season. Unfortunately, Harden and the Sixers didn’t see eye-to-eye contractually. As a result, the Sixers are at another standstill. Right now, the deals coming in for Harden don’t match Morey’s asking price. Patience paid off the first time around with Simmons. The Sixers are hoping that’s the case for the second time.