FILE -Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) calls to teammates during the first half of Game 5 against the Boston Celtics in the NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series, Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in Boston. James Harden might have side-eyed questions, much like he did in a playful reaction to a question in his Houston days, about his future with the Philadelphia 76ers. Will Harden return to the 76ers for a third season? (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
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The NBA season inches ever closer as training camp has officially begun for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite this, the continually focused story surrounding the team was not about those who attended, but rather who was not present, that being James Harden.
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)
After missing the Sixers’ media day this past Monday, Harden was also not present as the team flew out to Colorado for training camp amidst his ongoing trade demand. As the first day of training camp began, a report from NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski circulated that the ten-time All-Star was expected to report as early as that day.
As the second day of camp approached, it was reported that Harden had finally arrived in Colorado late Tuesday night according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey.
Harden’s arrival should not be seen as a harbinger of peace, but rather that of war as report after report has come forward stating that he has every intention of making this situation as uncomfortable as possible until the Sixers trade him away.
One thing is certain though, we have not heard the last of Harden’s trade demands. This is just the begining of the latest act of the James Harden saga. More will be reported once it’s seen how last season’s assists leader responds to camp, and what level of enthusiasm he has brought with him.
