76ers’ PJ Tucker Shows Support for James Harden

PJ Tucker remains supportive of James Harden amid the drama.

It was revealed before the start of the 2023 free agency period that Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden entered disgruntled territory. Although Harden picked up his player option for the 2023-2024 NBA season, the ten-time All-Star did it with the hopes of being traded.

Having an interest in joining the Los Angeles Clippers for next season, Harden was satisfied to hear that the interest was mutual. Unfortunately for Harden, Philadelphia’s front office wasn’t happy with the offers that LA put on the table. 

More than a month after Harden’s trade request, the star guard remains a member of the Sixers. At this point, the Sixers have reportedly shut down trade talks with the Clippers and hope to have Harden back on the court with the team for training camp in October.

Meanwhile, Harden’s dissatisfaction with the Sixers reached another level this offseason. Not only does Harden reportedly plan to skip out on training camp at the beginning, but the veteran called out his team’s President of Basketball Operations while doing a Q&A session out in China.

To no surprise, Harden’s public message aimed at Daryl Morey went viral. Once again, all eyes are on the 76ers this offseason as they navigate through another public standoff. Newly-acquired guard Patrick Beverley reacted to the drama on Twitter on Monday, claiming that his team would be okay since he believes Philadelphia thrives through adversity.

Meanwhile, 76ers veteran PJ Tucker seemingly showed support for Harden as he made a post on Instagram, quoting rapper Lil Baby.

And it’s getting worse. PJ Tucker has chimed in. pic.twitter.com/ydiGVkbGlN

— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) August 15, 2023

“I’m not acrobatic, I’m not flipping on my bros,” Tucker wrote as a caption on a photo of Harden and himself.

Tucker showing support for Harden doesn’t come as a surprise. After all, the two have formed a close friendship dating back to their playing days on the Houston Rockets.

While Sixers center Joel Embiid might’ve been the initial driving factor that led the Sixers to bring on PJ Tucker ahead of the 2022-2023 season, Harden’s pay cut and influence helped Philadelphia’s front office make the idea of bringing on Tucker come to life.

It’s unclear what’s next in the Harden saga. With the Sixers low on leverage in trade discussions, they are unlikely to move him off the roster anytime soon. And while Harden decided to throw fuel on the fire with his comments on Monday, that could very well be the final time he addresses the situation for a while. 

It seems the Sixers’ drama-filled offseason is far from over.