Philadelphia 76ers: Why Is James Harden Disgruntled?

James Harden wants out again.

Following a series sweep over the Brooklyn Nets back in April, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden described his most recent run with the Sixers as his season of sacrifice. After declining his player option last summer, Harden re-signed with the Sixers on a short-term, discounted deal in order to allow the team to sign some key players in free agency, including the veteran forward PJ Tucker.

Harden returned to the Sixers healthier than he was before, looking to make a bigger impact during his first full season with the team. In 58 games, Harden averaged 21 points while shooting 39 percent from three. The veteran guard led the NBA in assists, dishing out 11 per game.

After a somewhat disappointing playoff performance in 2022, Harden stepped up his game a bit this time around, averaging 20 points and eight assists through two rounds. While Harden’s lasting impression during the 2023 postseason run wasn’t ideal, the star guard had two signature 40-plus-point performances in the second-round series against the Boston Celtics before the Sixers lost in seven.

When the season concluded, it seemed Harden was primed to land a near-max contract from the 76ers or the Houston Rockets. At first, all signs pointed towards Harden jetting back to Houston and playing for the Rockets for the first time since 2020.

A few weeks into the offseason, Harden was described as “torn” as he considered both of his options. And in recent weeks, all signs were pointing towards the Sixers retaining Harden on a multi-year contract, as the Rockets started shifting their focus with free agency nearing.

However, somewhere along the way, Harden grew disgruntled. And in typical James Harden fashion, he shocked the NBA world on Thursday as he unexpectedly requested a trade from the 76ers after picking up his contract option for the 2023-2024 season.

What caused the recent rift between Harden and the Sixers, who traded for the ten-time All-Star guard just two seasons ago following his short stint with the Brooklyn Nets? According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Harden is “extremely upset” at the way the Sixers have handled his possible free agency.

Per Amick, Harden’s side felt there was a “series of silent Sixers signals” sent in recent weeks, leaving Harden wishing for a way out. Perhaps, the ten-time All-Star guard expected a significant long-term contract to stay on board with the Sixers after doing them a financial favor last summer. However, the Sixers reportedly didn’t see a long-term future with the 33-year-old guard.

With free agency set to open up on Friday night, the Sixers will have to work the phones and resolve the Harden saga quickly so they can pivot to a Plan B in free agency. So far, the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks have been linked to Harden, with the former quickly becoming the veteran’s likely destination.

If and when Harden’s moved, the star guard will join his fifth team since entering the NBA as the third-overall pick in 2009. While the former Arizona State standout was able to demand max contracts during his time with the Houston Rockets, teams are finding it to be more challenging to commit to Harden long-term by spending hundreds of millions of dollars.

Therefore, Harden would like a fresh start with an opportunity to allow him to compete for a title. Wherever Harden goes for next season, that team will have him on a one-year rental, paying him $35 million for the year. The star guard will then have an opportunity to hit the free agency market and negotiate with other teams.