Do Sixers Have Another Standoff Coming With James Harden?

The latest on James Harden and the Sixers.

Last month, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden uploaded a cryptic message to Instagram, stating he was ready to get uncomfortable. At the time, many assumed his message was related to his current trade request.

After opting in with the Sixers for the 2023-2024 season, Harden immediately requested a trade. While the Los Angeles Clippers showed interest, there wasn’t much traction out of the gate. Time typically heals all, but not in this case.

Although Harden didn’t receive a trade quickly after many assumed he would, his mind didn’t change. A few weeks after his initial trade request, Harden reiterated his stance. 

After applying pressure on the Sixers multiple times at this point, Harden remains on Philadelphia’s roster. With the Clippers unwilling to meet Daryl Morey’s high asking price, LA doesn’t seem to believe they have to budge as they hold the leverage.

On Saturday night, the Sixers reportedly decided to end trade talks. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers intend to have Harden around for training camp, “setting up an uncomfortable situation.” Wojnarowski added that the Sixers are “determined to find a way to make it work” with the ten-time All-Star.

Not long after the Sixers reportedly ended trade talks with the Clippers, it was reported that Harden doesn’t plan to take part in training camp this season. Once again, the star guard is making it clear that he’s finished with Philadelphia, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

Harden’s no stranger to either scenario. During his final go-round with the Houston Rockets in 2020, the All-Star guard didn’t attend training camp right away after requesting a trade. While Harden eventually re-joined his team, he played in just eight regular season games before landing with the Brooklyn Nets.

During Harden’s second season with the Nets, he grew disgruntled once again. While he started the 2021-2022 season, planning to play throughout the year with the Nets, he forced his way out after 44 games. Many questioned the guard’s effort during his final few weeks with the team, despite it being known Harden was dealing with hamstring concerns after suffering a notable injury in the playoffs in 2021. 

There is still plenty of time for the Harden saga to take a turn in a different direction this offseason. But as it stands, the Sixers don’t plan to entertain trade offers for the sake of trying to cut ties with the disgruntled playmaker once and for all. As for Harden, he seems to be checked out on the Sixers. Since history tends to repeat itself, it’s likely a matter of when and not if the Sixers finally cut ties with The Beard.