Harden Drama Continues with No End in Sight

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The James Harden situation seems to only get worse day by day. On Thursday’s episode of First Take, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he believes that James Harden will never play for the Philadelphia 76ers again. The statement came after Harden missed Wednesday’s practice. He has been away from the team for most of the offseason, missing media day earlier this month and only participating in one team scrimmage during the team’s training camp. This comes after Harden requested a trade earlier in the offseason following opting into his player option. He still stands by his statement of calling President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey a liar and saying he would never play for a team he’s a part of. While is not the player he was just a few seasons ago, Harden is still a valuable player in the right situation. While Harden had the Clippers as his preferred destination, no trade has occurred. Daryl Morey has called the Clippers unserious as they have not been willing to include Terrence Mann in a deal for Harden.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that a source close to Harden said skipping practice is only the beginning of what Harden will do to get out of Philadelphia. In the last three years, Harden has forced his way out of Houston and Brooklyn, which has ruined his reputation. If Harden chooses not to play, he will be subject to a nearly $400K fine every game, and in a worst-case scenario, he could find himself unable to play for any team. Article XI, section 3 of the 2023 NBA-NBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement states:

“A player who withholds playing services called for by a Player Contract for more than thirty (30) days after the start of the last Season covered by his Player Contract shall be deemed not to have “complet[ed] his Player Contract by rendering the playing services called for thereunder.” Accordingly, such a player shall not be a Veteran Free Agent and shall not be entitled to negotiate or sign a Player Contract with any other professional basketball team unless and until the Team for which the player last played expressly agrees otherwise.”

In that scenario, the Sixers would have complete control over Harden’s future, not allowing him to sign with any team until they decide. While other superstars have forced their way to new teams before, He has chosen to go all out in his efforts to be moved. With his future being unknown, the same can be said for the Sixers. Teammate Joel Embiid had nothing but positive things to say about Harden, calling him a great teammate and friend and that he would love to have Harden back on the team. Harden’s absence could cause a disastrous domino effect for the Sixers. There have already been rumors of teams like the New York Knicks preparing to pounce on a trade for an unhappy superstar. Embiid could very well be that superstar the Knicks try to go after if Harden does not play and the team collapses during the season.

For now, Harden remains a part of the Sixers, whether he wants to be with the team or not. His trade value is at an all-time low given his contract status, but it’s likely he’ll be traded at some point this season. Until that trade happens, questions will remain for both Harden and the Sixers organization.