Rumour: Everything points out to a James Harden trade

Superstar guard James Harden was notably absent from Philadelphia 76ers practice for a second consecutive day, creating a buzz among fans and the NBA community. As per Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, a Sixers spokesman cited a "personal matter" as the reason behind Harden's absence.

Uncertainty Surrounding Harden's Return

Harden's absence raised eyebrows, especially given the persistent trade rumors surrounding him during the offseason. On Wednesday, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse expressed his lack of information regarding Harden's absence, which was reported by ESPN's Tim Bontemps. With Harden missing two consecutive practices, Nurse hinted that he is "unlikely" to play in the upcoming preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.



Harden's Contract and Frustration

Adding to the intrigue, Harden had previously expressed his intention to make a preseason debut with the Hawks. During the offseason, he exercised a $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season under the assumption that the Sixers would facilitate a trade. However, no trade materialized, leading to Harden's public criticism of 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, labeling him a "liar."


Trade Prospects with the Clippers

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (via Bontemps), Harden has shown a preference for a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. While discussions have taken place, there remains a "sizable gap" that must be bridged for a trade to occur. The anticipated debut with the 76ers now seems uncertain.



The 76ers' Response and Upcoming Challenges

As of Wednesday, the 76ers were planning to allow Harden to explain his absence before deciding on potential disciplinary actions, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne (via Bontemps). With Harden set to miss the entire preseason, the team faces questions about his availability as they prepare to open their regular-season campaign against the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday.

Harden's Storied Career

James Harden boasts a remarkable career with 10 All-Star appearances, three scoring titles, and an NBA MVP award during his nine seasons with the Houston Rockets. After a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets, he joined the Sixers in 2021-22, significantly contributing as a playmaker with an NBA-leading 10.7 assists per game last season. However, the team's postseason aspirations remain unfulfilled, raising concerns for the future.

76ers' Future Hangs in the Balance

As the 76ers navigate the uncertainty surrounding James Harden, their ability to secure his presence on the court or find a suitable trade becomes paramount. With a core lineup featuring Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid, the team's prospects hinge on resolving this dilemma. Join the poll and have your say on the unfolding story.