Superstar James Harden did not get a new contract from the Philadelphia 76ers this off-season, opting into his $35.6 million player option instead. However, it is clear that he doesn’t want to remain with the team, as he has already asked for a trade.
The Philadelphia 76ers have not made much traction on a trade thus far, and it is easy to see why, as the team wants an exorbitant amount to move him to another team. Amidst the trade situation, James Harden posted a message on his Instagram, claiming that it’s “time to get uncomfortable”.
James Harden on IG 👀 pic.twitter.com/dhpW0QkNqV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 20, 2023
It is unclear what James Harden means by this message. A previous report suggested that James Harden still plans to show up to the 76ers training camp, with it also being noted that it is easier to cause problems for a team by being there, rather than sitting out.
During the 2022-23 regular season, James Harden averaged 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 10.7 APG for the Philadelphia 76ers. He clearly had a good year, even if he isn’t scoring as much as previously in his career, and Harden can be a difference-maker for any team that acquires him.
The Trade Market Is Dry For James Harden
Given that James Harden only has one preferred trade destination, other teams have been discouraged from potentially trading for him. In fact, previously, it was reported that there is no market for James Harden.
“There is no market for Harden. If there were, he would be gone already, either via free agency (again, Harden opted in) or trade. For weeks Sixers officials have been canvassing the NBA for a satisfactory offer. It isn’t there. The Clippers, Harden’s preferred destination, are interested. But not, it seems, at the cost of Terance Mann and what’s left of their first-round draft capital.”
It will be interesting to see what the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately get if they trade James Harden. He is still an All-Star-caliber player, but the issue is obviously the fact that he is on an expiring contract. No team is going to give up premier assets for a player that could leave at the end of the season. We will have to wait to see how the situation develops, and perhaps we’ll see more traction on a move closer to the beginning of the season.
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