James Harden stands before a crowd of Sixers fans at the Wells Fargo Center. Although Harden helped carry the Sixers to wins in games 1 and 4 of the playoffs, the team failed to make it past the second round this year. Photo courtesy of Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.

On June 29^th this past summer, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that James Harden opted into his $35.6 million dollar contract option and agreed with the 76ers to seek a trade. By opting into his contract, Harden chose to remain with the Sixers instead of becoming an unrestricted free agent, to provide the best situation for both sides. Harden listed his desired destination as the Los Angeles Clippers, in an attempt to pair with stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, as of August 15^th, a trade had yet to happen.

Since his trade request, the relationship between Harden and the Sixers went from bad to worse, becoming almost untenable. On August 14^th at an Adidas event in China, James Harden was filmed calling 76ers General Manager Daryl Morey a liar.

“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say it again, Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

Harden claims that Morey agreed to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers back in June. However, because negotiations have dried out and the Sixers have failed to get a good return, a deal hasn’t happened. In a public interview with Jason Bristol in Houston, Harden was asked if it is too late to repair his relationship with the Sixers responding with “I think so.” Harden seems to have no intention to play for the Sixers this season. However, if under contract, the team plans to have him report to camp.

After Harden’s public comments, the NBA launched an inquiry into the situation to find out what is going on inside the organization, and to see if Harden plans to holdout for the 2023-2024 season. On August 22^nd, the NBA fined James Harden $100k for his public comments about Daryl Morey and the 76ers organization. However, on the same day, NBPA filed a grievance against the fine.

“We respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline James Harden for recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands,” claimed the NBPA.

As the season approaches, the situation between Harden and the Sixers continues to evolve. On October 4^th Harden reported to camp at Colorado State University, despite having missed media day on October 2^nd and practice on October 3^rd. When Harden reported on day 2, he didn’t cause any distractions. Despite this, the situation remains tense.

“We are just kind of taking it day by day with this,” said Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, in a press conference on October 10^th.

There is no doubt that there is lots of uncertainty surrounding the situation. Despite reporting to camp Harden is still “hopeful” in joining his preferred destination, the Los Angeles Clippers. After it was initially reported that L.A. wasn’t interested, discussions this month have heated up, and the Clippers seem determined to get a deal done.

“I wanted to retire a Sixer, but the front office didn’t have that in their plans,” Harden said in a press conference on October 13^th.

On October 18^th it was reported that Harden was missing from practice yet again, with the season opener just a week away. After coming to several practices in the two weeks prior, Harden was reportedly in Houston instead of at practice. This came as a surprise for many, as the belief around the league was that he intended to play despite all the drama. This continues to raise questions for many.

Sixers star and reigning MVP Joel Embiid was asked about Harden missing practice.

“Maybe he had something to do,” said Embiid.

As the season looms, the questions continue to pile up, and many are wondering what the team will look like by the time of the first tip-off.

In his first full season with the 76ers, Harden averaged 21 points per game and led the league in assists averaging 10.7 per game. Harden just missed the cut in the all-star selections and led the Sixers to the third seed in the east with a record of 54-28. However, for the 22^nd straight year Philly failed to make it past the second round, losing at the hands of the Celtics. James Harden had a series full of ups and downs, dropping as many as 45 points, to as low as 12. Although Harden helped carry the Sixers to wins in games 1 and 4, he was abysmal in must win games 6 and 7. The star guard combined for just 22 points in games 6 and 7 and had 5 turnovers in each. The loss to Boston was Harden’s 5^th consecutive time losing in the second round.