Weeks After Calling Out Daryl Morey Publicly, Sixers Put an End to James Harden Trade Saga

The James Harden trade saga has come to an anti-climatic end after all. Months of rumors, cryptic messages, and a dramatic call-out later, The Beard still remains in Philadelphia. His statements against the Philadelphia 76ers‘ president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey also could not move the needle. But how did this saga end up the way it did?

James Harden opted into his whopping $35,000,000 salary at the beginning of the offseason. Although this decision came in the hope that both parties would work together towards a trade; Harden’s wish remains unfulfilled. Now, the Sixers have officially pulled the plug on any chances of the 10-time All-Star finding a new home in the NBA.

Sixers put an anti-climatic end to James Harden trade saga

The James Harden trade saga has been the most controversial aspect of this year’s offseason. The drama escalated to an unprecedented level when the former MVP made his infamous statements in China against Daryl Morey. While fans believed that this could have been the tipping point for the Sixers to act on Harden’s trade, they acted in the exact opposite manner. The franchise has now confirmed that they have ended all trade talks surrounding James Harden.

“If we don’t get either a very good player or something that we can turn into a very good player, then we’re just not going to do it”, said Daryl Morey just a month before this major announcement. Despite his efforts to join the Clippers this season, The Beard remains in Philadelphia. The franchise made its intentions clear they would not trade him for anything but a fair return.

Harden will now prepare to join the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid and the Sixers in training camp ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 season. If his statements in China were not proof enough of his disgruntlement, this update may enrage the 33-year-old. Naturally, this raises the potential for chaos, much like the situation with their former All-Star, Ben Simmons. With another disgruntled superstar on their roster, will history repeat for the Sixers?

Is the Harden situation a cause for concern in the future?

Entering the 2020-21 NBA season, nobody could have imagined how the Ben Simmons saga would pan out for the Philadelphia 76ers. A perennial All-Star at the peak of his abilities, Simmons seemed like the franchise’s future. However, one season changed everything.

Ben Simmons requested a trade from the franchise following the fans’ slander for his infamous play in the 2020-21 playoffs. However, his disgruntlement showed when the Sixers did not act upon it. This led to the 3-time All-Star acting out for months before finally getting his wish during the 2021-22 season. Now, the superstar that the team landed in the same trade that sent Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets may cause similar trouble.

READ MORE: Months After Exit From $3,150,000,000 Worth Franchise, James Harden and Joel Embiid’s Ex-Coach Obliterated by Former All-Star

The Sixers have experienced a disastrous situation regarding trade disgruntlement in the past. Given Harden’s frustration with the franchise, will The Beard pull off a Ben Simmons? Can the Sixers get a fully committed effort from Harden in their championship push? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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