(Philadelphia) James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers wrote a new chapter in their dispute, as the team asked the All-Star to stay home rather than travel to Milwaukee with the rest of the group for their first game of the season, Thursday.
Harden – who requested a trade this offseason – did not play during the preseason and missed a practice last week for “personal reasons” before reporting to the team’s practice facility on Wednesday ready to play.
Coach Nick Nurse said he learned Tuesday that Harden had arrived in town. Nurse added that Harden participated in drills during practice, but not during the portion serving as preparation for the duel against the Bucks.
Nurse said Harden accepted the team’s decision.
Harden reportedly requested a trade since he would be disappointed not to have received a long-term contract offer after the last campaign. He then exercised an option on his contract expecting the 76ers to trade him before the start of the new season. This never happened.
Nurse, who is in his first season as coach of the 76ers, did not say whether Harden would rejoin the team after his first game.
The 76ers visit the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. They will then play their local opener on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers.