Disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has been a major topic of discussion around the NBA after he requested a trade from the team during the summer.
There were some open questions about whether the former NBA MVP would join the team for training camp starting this week. He missed media day in New Jersey on Monday and was not at the start of camp on Tuesday.
However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Harden is expected to show up to camp in Colorado later on Tuesday and potentially take part in practice the following day.
There is an obvious caveat here. It’s not yet known just how much of camp Harden will take part in. Remember, his last public comments on the 76ers’ situation following a trade request was about as clear as it gets.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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 said back in August.
Obviously, these comments were directed at the 76ers’ front office head after major drama between the two sides earlier in the offseason. Ultimately, the NBA fined Harden $100,000 for his comments.
Related: Updated NBA trade rumors, including James Harden
Where a James Harden trade stands heading into the NBA preseason
Philadelphia will play its first preseason game Sunday against the Boston Celtics. It is extremely unlikely that Harden will be on the court for that game.
A recent report indicates that the future Hall of Famer is expected to make things “painful” for the 76ers as he seeks out a trade partner. As for a potential trade ahead of opening night, things are still seemingly trending in the direction of that happening.
“He’s not here today,” team president Daryl Morey said during media day on Monday, via NBA.com. “He continues to seek a trade and we’re working with his representation to resolve that in the best way for the 76ers and hopefully all parties.”
- James Harden stats (2022-23): 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 44% shootiung, 39% 3-point
Despite his advanced age of 34 and some regression from a scoring standpoint, Harden will continue to draw interest on the NBA trade block.
Behind the scenes, the 10-time All-Star has made it clear he wants to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Per Woj’s report on Tuesday, Los Angeles is willing to let this thing play out before meeting Philadelphia’s asking price for the star guard.
The 76ers are said to be seeking a star player of Harden’s caliber or assets that could bring in another star to team up with NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid moving forward.