USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates his basket scored against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates his basket scored against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The beard was a no-show on Media Day. However, this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. As James Harden himself assured he wouldn’t be showing up. Meanwhile, the offseason was rife with murmurs of his trade. Although days away from training camp, he still remains in Philly.
More recently, speculations of the former MVPs trade are at an all-time high. In addition, his relationship with the franchise is despicable, due to his “liar” comments. Amidst rising tensions, the Philly front office fears that The Beard will make it “painful” for them.
James Harden Could Make It ?Painful? for the 76ers
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According to recent reports, the Philadelphia 76ers anticipate a heavy blow from the 10-time all-star. ?While it is unclear what Harden?s next steps will be? one high-ranking official [said] that the Sixers would not be surprised. In fact, they expect Harden to show up at some point and make it ?painful? for the organization,? said NBA insider Jared Greensburg.
He further added, “Of course, Harden has a track record of doing so in Houston and Brooklyn as well. I have been told at one point after Harden asked for a trade there was as many as four teams in what was categorized as serious trade conversations.”
?While it is unclear what Harden?s next steps will be? one high-ranking official [said] that the #Sixers would not be surprised, in fact, they expect Harden to show up at some point and make it ?painful? for the organization.?
– @JaredSGreenberg (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/bvqqb7HwAI
? Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) October 2, 2023
Harden desires a trade from the Sixers to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Sixers can prevent his entry into a free agency in the summer of 2024. If he holds out for over 30 days, as reported by Zach Lowe of ESPN. Harden is in the final year of his contract. Different NBA holdout rules apply if he chooses not to attend training camp or play. Although, the last season the Beard failed to go to the finals, his regular season performance was at par.
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The Beard’s Performance Last Season
Harden played 58 games for the Sixers last season and posted impressive averages of 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. He achieved the distinction of leading the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career. The NBA imposed a $100,000 fine on Harden for publicly labeling Daryl Morey as a “liar” during his Adidas tour in China. Since then, Harden’s relationship with Morey has worsened.
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The former MVP leveled accusations of dishonesty against Morey. He did not trade him promptly after he exercised his player option for the 2023-24 season. The season, however, is inching closer each day. Are you excited to see Harden back on the court soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Watch This Story:? After Ditching 76ers? Media Day, $165M Rich James Harden Set to Be Slapped With a Hefty 6-Figure Fine
