James Harden’s trade request will reportedly go unfulfilled heading into the 2023-24 season.
Just days after James Harden’s desire to be traded was reportedly dismissed by the Philadelphia 76ers, the star guard publicly criticized team president Daryl Morey.
During an Adidas press event in China on Monday, Harden was asked about the Sixers’ decision to end trade talks and bring him back to the team. In response, he called Daryl Morey a liar and declared that he would never join any organization with Morey.
James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers ended trade talks for Harden despite his strong desire to be traded. The team had hoped that Harden, along with Joel Embiid, could lead them to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2001. However, the 76ers have fallen short in the conference semifinals for the past two seasons.
Harden’s productivity has decreased since joining the Brooklyn Nets and now the Philadelphia 76ers, but he still maintains impressive statistics. In the last three seasons, he has averaged at least 20 points and 10 assists per game. Last season, he led the league in assists with 10.7 per game and had his best 3-point shooting percentage since 2011-12.
Harden has been emphatic in wanting a trade, so the Sixers are setting up an uncomfortable situation to start camp. Ultimately, Philadelphia wouldn’t make a trade that they believed would compromise their title hopes.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 12, 2023
Wojnarowski also mentioned that although Harden has been persistent in his desire to be traded, the 76ers would not make a trade that they believe would harm their chances of winning a championship.
In the offseason, Harden chose to opt into his contract for the next season, worth $35.6 million. He could have declined the option and explored free agency, but the Sixers had the advantage of offering him a $210 million, four-year deal.
If a trade involving Harden were to occur, it would be his third since requesting a trade from the Houston Rockets in February 2021.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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