- Jason McIntyre has a bold idea for James Harden’s career path
- James Harden’s controversial statements about Sixers president Daryl Morey continue to make headlines
- The asking price for James Harden is steep
Fox Sports analyst Jason McIntyre wants James Harden to follow Lionel Messi’s route and pursue the remainder of his career in China instead of the NBA.
Speaking on ‘The Volume’ in the aftermath of Harden’s explosive statement on Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey, McIntyre had his own take on the matter.
“I gotta wonder if Harden is so dug in… we noticed that he made this big statement in China. And you know who is probably one of the most popular NBA players in China? James Harden.”
He further added:
“We just saw Lionel Messi turn down a billion dollars in Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi said, ‘I will go to the MLS, I’ll get a chunk of the team, and the Apple… profits.’ What if James Harden said, ‘I’m sick of this Daryl Morey crap. No teams want me, that’s fine. I’ll go where I am loved. I thought Houston loved me, they went after Fred VanVleet.'”
“Harden has been saying for months that he’d love to go. So where does James Harden feel the love? And the answer’s China.”
Jason McIntyre says James Harden should pull a Lionel Messi type move and play in China
(Via @TheVolumeSports )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2023
At best, this would be one of those takes that will leave Harden with a wry smile. He will surely not even consider playing in any other league or country.
As for the comparison, Messi, at 36 has won all that he needs to. He’s won the World Cup and is a three-time Champions League winner. His soccer CV is beyond impressive and his move to the MLS to play for Inter Miami is pretty much a last turn in his career.
But for Harden, who is yet to win an NBA championship in his 14 seasons in the league, and now his window to be a champion is closing fast. Chances are he would rather force his way out of the Sixers and find a team that would help achieve his objective.
So as far as the China plan goes, safe to say Harden isn’t going anywhere. Even if he feels the love in abundance.
The Philadelphia 76ers Ask For James Harden Is Very Steep
Prior to all the drama that unfolded, the 76ers were involved in trade talks for James Harden, but the ask was deemed steep by most suitors. Soon after the ‘liar’ comment that shook the NBA circuit, the Sixers’ demand for Harden did the rounds.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer: “The Sixers want draft picks and an elite player in a trade package.”
This is a mountain of an ask for Harden. While there is no doubt that he will definitely transform any team he plays for, the asking price is something that most franchises — including his preferred destination, the LA Clippers would think twice before jumping into a decision.
The options for Harden outside of LA are limited, and the Sixers know what they need to fill in ‘The Beard’s void. But as far as the drama between the two goes, there is still more to follow.
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