(Philadelphia) James Harden seems determined to sever ties with the 76ers after he called team president Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event in China.
Harden’s comments — video of which surfaced Monday — come a month and a half after he signed a $35.6 million option with Philadelphia this season. Soon after, he let it be known that he wanted to be traded.
In recent days, the Sixers informed Harden’s agent, Mike Silverman, that they were unable to find a satisfactory trade and that the team did not really intend to compromise.
That’s what a person familiar with the matter told the AP.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity as the negotiations have not been made public.
In connection with his promotional tour, Harden had been posting videos extensively on Instagram until then.
He appeared to display his recent position at an event for a sneaker company.
The 76ers had no immediate comment.
Harden, who turns 34 on August 26, could have declined the option and opted for autonomy.
Harden wanted to move to the Los Angeles Clippers but those discussions went nowhere, nor did those with other clubs.
Harden became a star with the Houston Rockets (when Morey was in charge), until he wanted a trade with Brooklyn.
The Rockets eventually agreed and sent him to the Nets. When a super-club triumph with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving never came true, Harden wanted to be traded to the 76ers — largely because of close professional and personal ties to Morey.
Harden led the NBA in assists per game last season, but the spotlight was more on Joel Embiid. Now it seems like giving him the limelight isn’t really considered anymore.
The Sixers lost in the second round of the playoffs in May, to the Boston Celtics.
Former Raptors head coach Nick Nurse was named to helm the team on June 1.
In the second round, Harden scored 45 and 42 points in wins in Games 1 and 4.
He was, however, 0 for 6 on three-point shots in Games 2 and 6, backhands.
He scored just nine points in Game 7, being shut out in the second half.
The 76ers know the song. Ben Simmons demanded a trade after his relationship soured with Doc Rivers and other members of the organization. Simmons caused a stir in 2021 training camp; he never played for the Sixers that season, and then he was traded for Harden.
