The Philadelphia 76ers‘ summer drama has taken an unexpected turn. Insider sources claim that the 22-year-old youthful and talented guard is in line to replace James Harden in the starting lineup. This possible reshuffling comes with Harden’s ongoing desire for a trade. However, the 76ers show a strong intention to maintain the young point guard as an important component of their future.

Recently, a video surfaced on the internet that immediately caught the attention of the fans. James Harden was practicing with the 22-year-old young prodigy who might replace him on the squad.

The young prodigy gets a chance to prove his worth

James Harden became the heart of offseason turmoil, with his demand to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers garnering headlines. Despite his efforts, the franchise has shown no desire to accept his request, creating a potentially explosive scenario.

However, in the midst of this upheaval, sources claim that Tyrese Maxey might take on a more significant position in the 76ers’ lineup. And during this speculation, a video surfaced of the two practicing together. That video shows how Maxey is getting ready to show his potential by swishing 3s.

The reports of Harden being benched in favor of Maxey have yet to be proven. Although they have prompted a lot of curiosity and conversation among fans and experts alike. The Philadelphia 76ers have also made it obvious that Tyrese Maxey is very important to them.

Despite reports involving great players such as Damian Lillard and James Harden, the organization has expressed no interest in trading its young guard. Maxey, who is only 22 years old, has established himself as a valuable player after a great season in 2022-23 in which he demonstrated his scoring skills and adaptability.

Read More: Hellbent on Forcing a Trade, James Harden’s Antics Could Potentially Bench Him in Favor of 22YO Guard, as Daryl Morey Is “Unlikely” to Cave In

Tyrese Maxey averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game the previous season. His shooting percentages from the field (48.1%) and from beyond the arc (43.4%) demonstrate his scoring efficiency and long-range skill. These numbers highlight why the 76ers want to keep Maxey as an essential component of their future success. However, what does this mean for James Harden?

What does James Harden’s future look like?

James Harden’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers is unknown and surrounded by controversy, as his trade requests collide with the team’s steadfast attitude. Despite his evident star power, Harden’s recent off-court antics have put him in the bad picture. Doing things such as criticizing club boss Daryl Morey and refusing to participate in team rituals, have raised concerns about Harden’s devotion to the 76ers’ culture. Many feel Harden has lost credibility in the current dispute.

According to reports, Harden is still lobbying for a trade, but Morey is unlikely to cave to his demands. With both parties holding firm, the 76ers will face a difficult road ahead in the upcoming season. The intrigue surrounding Harden’s future continues to throw a shadow over the squad as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics in their first preseason game. Regardless of whether the claims of Harden’s benching in favor of Maxey are true, it is evident that Maxey’s position within the team is growing. This is providing an exciting future for both the rookie guard and the 76ers.

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