Even though James Harden has been on four different NBA teams in his 14-year pro career, he’s always had plenty of support. Sometimes, that support has even come from the front office, especially so with Daryl Morey, who worked tirelessly to bring the rising star to Houston after just three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Morey got the job done back in 2012, and Harden quickly became one of the best players in basketball, making nine consecutive All-Star appearances with the Rockets before requesting a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2021.
Once again, Morey swung a trade, but this time it was to appeal to his star player, helping Harden form a star trio in Brooklyn. That experiment would last just 80 games before Harden wanted another trade. This time, he’d be reunited with Morey, only with the Philadelphia 76ers instead.
Yet, after just 79 games, Harden once again wants out, and Morey, once again, has to trade a franchise cornerstone. Previously the working relationship between the star player and the 76ers’ president of basketball operations had been strong, but that may no longer be the case.
According To Shams Charania, tension has risen between the two, and the relationship between Harden and Morey is now “severed” according to the NBA insider. Charania mentioned how Harden took a $15 million pay cut last season in an attempt to help the 76ers build a stronger roster around him and Embiid, but now the trust is no longer there.
Harden still wants a trade, and he specifically wants to end up with the Los Angeles Clippers, joining Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Although Harden has made the playoffs 14 times, Harden is still chasing his first NBA title, as are the Clippers.
Heading into a contract year, Harden is set to make $35.6 million this season, wherever he plays. But it’s clear Harden would prefer to sign an extension with a new team rather than remain in Philly for another season.
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