Has James Harden’s Trade Interest Faded?

Does James Harden want to move on from the 76ers still?

Out in the Hamptons, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden was spotted hanging out with some of his teammates, laughing it up and having a good time.

Considering Harden requested a trade from the Sixers a few weeks prior, many were shocked to see him living it up with guys like Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris.

But Harden’s issue isn’t with his teammates. Instead, he’s reportedly frustrated at Philadelphia’s front office. After doing the Sixers a big favor last summer by taking a pay cut with a short-term deal to clear space for other veteran signings, Harden wasn’t rewarded the way he believed he deserved.

Frustrated with the lack of desirable offers this offseason, Harden took his guaranteed $36 million from his player option and asked for a trade out of Philadelphia. Although Harden seems to remain on good terms with everybody at this point in the offseason, many speculated whether Harden’s interest in a trade has faded or not.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Harden recently reiterated to Daryl Morey and the 76ers’ front office that he would prefer a change of scenery. 

“I think there was some cooling off period,” Shelburne explained on Tuesday. “They’ve spoken again and he still reiterated he wants to be traded. Now, this isn’t a demand, it’s a request. And I think the Sixers have said, ‘OK, we will try to trade you, but there is no hurry to do this.’”

Shelburne wasn’t the only ESPN NBA Insider to dish some intel on the Harden situation Tuesday. Joining the Dan Patrick Show, Dave McMenamin addressed the state of the Harden saga and noted “the signal right now” is that Harden will be back with the Sixers.

When Harden initially requested a trade, the Los Angeles Clippers became immediate favorites to land him. Unwilling to include one of their All-Stars, and hesitant to discuss involving their younger, high-ceiling prospects, the Clippers couldn’t convince the Sixers to part ways with Harden at a bargain price for the Western Conference contenders.

The trade interest in Harden was already at a minimum, but it seems talks have completely stalled at this point. While that hasn’t changed the ten-time All-Star’s mind about wanting to move on, it’s becoming clear that Harden’s request could drag out for a while.

In the past, Harden has shown a willingness to play with his current team, despite asking out. Maybe that could be a sign he’ll suit up for the Sixers in October. For Philadelphia, that certainly isn’t the worst-case scenario, as they wanted to retain The Beard, but it’s probably best to assume that if Harden does suit up for the Sixers next season, it will likely be on borrowed time.