FILE – Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden reacts during Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, April 18, 2022, in Philadelphia. Harden appears determined to sever ties with the Philadelphia 76ers after the star guard called team president Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event at China. Harden’s comments, video of which surfaced Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, came almost seven weeks after he picked up his $35.6 million option with the 76ers for this season and then promptly said he wanted to be traded.(AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
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James Harden skipped Sixers’ Media Day on Monday and was not present at this morning’s training camp practice at Colorado State University. However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 10-time All-Star is expected to arrive at training camp potentially as soon as today.
Another twist in the James Harden saga
It’s been a tumultuous offseason for Harden. After taking a pay cut a year ago so the team could add more talent, Harden was expecting a big payday to keep him in Philadelphia this offseason. But with other teams like the Houston Rockets reportedly having little interest in Harden, team president Daryl Morey’s offer ended up being much less. Harden opted in to his player option though, with the intent on being traded. But that hasn’t happened yet, and the two sides have remained staunchly at odds ever since.
It’s been unclear if Harden would return to the team at all, or if Sixers fans would be in for another Ben Simmons holdout situation. While Tuesday’s update is the first sign that Harden may indeed rejoin the team in the near-term, it seems unlikely that the situation is resolving in the long-term. More updates on the James Harden front are sure to come this week.
FILE – Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden (1) reacts after a play in the first half during Game 2 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets, Monday, April 17, 2023, in Philadelphia. Harden appears determined to sever ties with the Philadelphia 76ers after the star guard called team president Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event at China.
(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)
