NBA Exec Predicts Ugly Scenario for 76ers on James Harden Front

One NBA executive believes the 76ers' situation with James Harden could get ugly.

With training camp around the corner for the Philadelphia 76ers, many are wondering what James Harden has planned.

After his initial trade request was unsuccessful, Harden made public comments on multiple occasions to apply pressure on the 76ers. Once again, the team didn’t budge.

Although Harden was hit with a fine by the NBA after a short-lived investigation, one NBA executive isn’t under the belief that the punishment will prevent Harden from turning the heat up soon.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the anonymous executive predicts that the situation will “get ugly enough to where [Harden] gets himself out” of Philadelphia.

At this point in his career, Harden has forced himself out of two different organizations. While Harden played for the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets while disgruntled, he found his way out not long after he made it clear he wanted a change of scenery.

In 2020-2021, Harden held out from the Rockets for a few days before returning to the team and giving them eight games in the regular season. Eventually, he was shut down until the Rockets traded him away to the Nets.

During his second season with the Nets, Harden lasted 44 games. Although a hamstring injury affected his play, there was tons of speculation about Harden’s lack of motivation to play for the Nets at the time. Many questioned his effort during his final days as a member of the Nets.

It seems there’s an executive out there who believes history will repeat itself with Harden in Philadelphia. Harden’s last two public messages hint this could be the case soon as well.

Not only did Harden mention he wouldn’t play for a team that employs Daryl Morey again, but he also assumed that the situation was beyond repair. 

In other words, Harden tossed out obvious hints that he won’t be totally motivated to run it back with the Sixers for a third straight season.

On the bright side, Harden remains on good terms with notable members of the Sixers’ roster. Not only did he receive support from key teammates such as Tyrese Maxey, PJ Tucker, and Joel Embiid, but several reports have indicated that Harden’s frustration is solely aimed at Philly’s front office.

While Harden’s friendships on the roster haven’t led to a resolution after the Sixers shut down further trade talks with the Los Angeles Clippers, at least they have a fighting chance to keep Harden active while they attempt to repair the situation one way or another.