Disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday and has remained away from the team since Sunday.
The 76ers now describe Harden’s absence as being under the guise of “personal reasons” after initially seeking an explanation for him being away.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Harden’s frustration over a lack of progress in trade talks with the Los Angeles Clippers is the reason for his absence. It’s not too hard to read between the lines here given his request of a trade during the summer and his stance regarding the 76ers’ organization under front office head Daryl Morey.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” James Harden said back in August. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
James Harden clearly attempting to force Philadelphia 76ers into a trade
It was noted recently that the 76ers are requesting guard Terance Mann and multiple first-round picks from the Clippers in exchange for Harden. In turn, Los Angeles is offering up expiring contracts, one first-round pick and pick swaps.
At this point, there has been no traction in trade talks between the two sides heading into Philadelphia’s regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday.
“I think the organization has made it clear what’s going on,” new Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said on Thursday. “They are working on stuff, as we say day by day.”
All of this comes at a time when it’s being indicated that Harden’s relationship with the 76ers can’t be repaired.
- James Harden stats (2022-23): 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 39% 3-point
Harden is entering the final year of his current contract with Philadelphia and expected a lucrative long-term extension early in the summer. That seems to be playing a role in the rift between the two sides.
And as Morey plays hardball in talks with the Clippers, Harden is seemingly willing to do the same thing in an attempt to force a trade.