76ers’ James Harden Comments on Damian Lillard’s Situation

James Harden reveals his thoughts on Damian Lillard's situation with the Blazers.

This summer, all eyes have been on James Harden from a Philadelphia 76ers standpoint as the ten-time All-Star guard opted in and requested a trade.

Although Harden’s initial trade request didn’t result in an immediate change of scenery the “cool down” period that followed didn’t mean a change of heart was on its way.

At this point in time, Harden still wants to be traded. According to a report last week, Harden intends to get his way and play for the Los Angeles Clippers at some point next season. While a report indicated that Harden wasn’t going skip out on training camp if he’s still with the Sixers when the 2023-2024 season ramps up, the star guard’s cryptic social media post last week indicated he might be willing to get “uncomfortable” in the situation sooner than later.

Harden isn’t the only disgruntled star looking for a trade this offseason. Out West, the seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard is searching for a change for the first time in his professional career. While the demand for Lillard was higher than Harden's when he initially went on the block, he’s in the same position as The Beard, which is sitting back and waiting because his organization isn’t willing to take less than what they are asking for from the team that he’s demanding a trade to.

During a sit-down with USA Today Sports, Harden commented on Lillard’s situation specifically, which helps everybody understand his personal thought process as he desires a trade to the Clippers. 

“I see both sides of it,” said Harden. “I went through it. The organization wants to do what’s best for them. They don’t want to just give a player that basically is one of the best players that they’ve ever had in their organization away for nothing. So I get the organization’s side. And then I get the player’s side as far as wanting to play and wanting to be somewhere. Whether it’s because it’s the right situation for you, for your family, or yourself, or whatever that person is going through. So I see both sides. So if they can meet in the middle and kind of come to an agreement and figure it out, then that’s like the best scenario. I wouldn’t want an organization to send someone somewhere where they wouldn’t [want to] be because you’ve built a real relationship with that person. That person has done so many great things for your organization, your franchise. But then, you don’t want to give that player away for nothing. So I get both sides. Just find a balance, meet in the middle, and hopefully, both sides can come to an agreement.”

Considering Harden has worked with Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey for many years, even before they reunited in Philly two seasons ago, the ten-time All-Star likely made his stance clear on his own situation currently. Considering Harden sees Lillard’s situation this way, Sixers outsiders can clearly use this as an example of Harden’s personal stance regarding his recent trade request.

Last week, Morey publicly addressed the latest holdout saga in Philadelphia and confirmed what everybody was thinking; the Sixers aren’t going to trade Harden away unless they are sure to improve in the deal. Can an “uncomfortable” situation help Harden get moved quicker? Nobody can be so sure. The Sixers are no strangers to controversy following trade requests. We saw it with Ben Simmons two summers ago, which lasted several months before a conclusion.

While holding onto a player that might serve as a distraction certainly doesn’t do the team any favors in the short-term, Morey has proven in the past that he won’t take less just to find the finish line in a trade standoff quicker. While Harden understands that much, he’s gotten his way multiple times at this point in his career. We’ll see if his wishes are granted for a third time soon enough.