Despite 76ers Shutting Down Trade Talks, James Harden Will Enter Next Season in “The Best Shape of His Career”, per Agent

Former MVP James Harden’s trade talks have finally come to a halt. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed earlier today that the Philadelphia 76ers have decided to bring back The Beard to this year’s training camp.

Harden has been working in the lab this off-season. His agent Troy Payne further revealed in a podcast that his client will be in the best shape of his career before the 2023-24 NBA season begins.

Agent believes Harden might become the MVP next season

After 76ers’ early exit from this year’s playoffs, Harden picked up the $35.6 million player option this off-season. He wanted to play alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and showed interest in being traded to the LA Clippers. In the podcast, the NBA star’s agent said that Harden has a crazy hunger in him right now from the disrespect and off-season drama surrounding the 76ers guard.

James Harden’s agent, Troy Payne, says James and his team’s goal is to enter the season in the "best shape of his career" and that he wouldn’t be surprised if James’ name came up in MVP discussions this upcoming season.
by u/Aggressive-Ad-756 in nba

Harden is in Phoenix for the summer, and according to Troy Payne, he is doing two lengthy workouts a day starting at 7 in the morning. Seeing Harden’s work ethic and dedication this summer, Payne said, “If he got the MVP this season, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

While in Phoenix, Payne has been working out with Harden every day for the past 3 weeks and joked about guarding Harden in the morning, going home to send some e-mails, before going back to the gym.

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If any of what he says is true, fans might get to see the best version of ‘The Beard’ they have seen in years.

Philadelphia sticks with Harden for another attempt at winning a ring

Harden joined the 76ers in 2022 and proved to be an important piece in Joel Embiid’s MVP season. He finished the season averaging 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, helping Philly reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

With MVP Joel Embiid out in the first game due to injury, Harden led the Sixers to a victory with an unbelievable 45-point performance. But the Celtics proved to be too big a hurdle for the Sixers to overcome, and they got eliminated in 7 games.

James showed glimpses of his Houston Rockets MVP days during the season, but could not deliver on a nightly basis. The 76ers think they are very close to winning a championship, as they have the reigning MVP and a future Hall of Famer in their squad. They just need to surround the two with a good roster, hoping their two stars remain healthy for the season.

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After firing Doc Rivers from the head coaching job, Sixers have recruited former Coach of the Year Nick Nurse to get them over the hump. It is possible that with a change in leadership and healthy Embiid, James Harden might play the best basketball of his career next season, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the long awaited NBA title.