“Working My Butt Off”: James Harden, Professing His Undying “Love” for Basketball, Addresses Trade Scenario

In a surprising turn of events, James Harden looks calm and, dare we say, defeated in the face of the ongoing trade saga. Harden is not one to back off easily in a challenging situation. This applies to on-the-court and off-the-court matters as well.

That said, Daryl Morey is not an easy opponent to push into a corner. Morey is the skilled matador and Harden, unfortunately, turns out to be the hot-headed bull. But in a recent tweet, The Beard looks like the calm after the storm.

James Harden seems emotional in the wake of trade scenario

Yet to play a preseason game, Harden has regularly attended gym practice sessions. When asked about the status of his trade demand, James wasn’t exactly forthcoming. But he did have something to say about his work ethic.

“I’ve just been here working my butt off. I love the game of basketball, so I’m just in the gym putting the work in. It’s all I can control.” (credits: Keith Pompey, Sixers beat writer)

Now, this could either be The Beard accepting his situation or simply biding his time for an appropriate opportunity. Harden picked up his $35.6 million contract option for this season with the belief the team would try to trade him. The seasons changed but no trade came.

James believes that he should have got a long-term contract with the Sixers after his “sacrifice” for the team. Apparently, Morey didn’t see it that way.

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Whatever the 10x NBA All-Star has in mind – for now, he is relaxed.

Harden believes in the “work that he’s put in” in the league

When you talk about someone, it becomes necessary to bring all aspects to light. Harden’s love for partying might be his Achilles heel, but no one will disagree when you say that James Harden is indeed one of the greatest players of the NBA. He has won three scoring titles and the 2018 league MVP award. He also led the league in assists last season.

In the Forbes list of ‘World’s Highest Paid Athletes’, James Harden ranks 27th among 50 others. His skills are valued outside the basketball realm as well. Adidas made Harden one of the faces of its NBA campaign after signing him in 2015 to a 13-year deal worth as much as $200 million.

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He had an equity stake in Bodyarmor and scored a sizable payout when Coca-Cola bought the brand in fall 2021. Harden also invested $15 million in July 2019 for a small stake in the Houston Dynamo of MLS. Clearly, The Beard still holds some power in the outside world.

So, what do you think? Will Harden play in the Sixers’ preseason finale on Friday against Atlanta? Share your thoughts in the comments!