The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Disgruntled Sixers star James Harden has not been with the team since Sunday as he seeks a trade, according to a report.
This summer, Harden opted into his $35.6million deal with Philadelphia under the expectation that the franchise would send him to another team.
But that has not yet happened, and The Athletic’s Shams Charania has reported that it’s ‘unclear’ when – or if – Harden will return to the team.
Harden was absent again from practice on Wednesday as the Sixers prepared for their final preseason game vs. Hawks.
The guard has missed all three of the team’s preseason games, and has reportedly played in just one five-on-five scrimmage since training camp began two weeks ago.
James Harden wants out of Philadelphia after less than two years with the franchise
76ers forward P.J. Tucker chats with Harden during the team’s practice in Fort Collins, Colo.
Harden wants to go to the Clippers and there has reportedly been talks between the two franchises.
However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said Wednesday that there is a ‘sizable gap’ in discussions.
The 34-year-old called Sixers president Daryl Morey a ‘liar’ while speaking at a marketing event in China over the summer, and told reporters this week that there was no chance of his relationship with the team’s front office being repaired.
‘When you lost trust in someone – it’s like a marriage, when you lose trust in someone,’ he said.
Harden arrived in Philly via Brooklyn in exchange for Ben Simmons (among other players) in February 2022.
Alongside Joel Embiid, he has failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs as a Sixer.
The Sixers open their season vs. the Bucks on October 26.
