NBA rumors: Based on the recent statement of Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, the Sixers are still working hard to try and find a deal for James Harden. However, Morey also stated that unless they get an offer that they like, they won’t be trading away their wantaway superstar.
This then puts both Harden and the Sixers in a bit of a conundrum. We’ve seen in the past how a disgruntled Harden acts when he’s forced to play for a team, so the same could be the case again if Philly fails to ship him out.
NBA Rumors: James Harden Expected to Report to Training Camp Amid Trade Demand
The good news for Sixers fans is that it doesn’t sound like Harden will go on strike. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the former league MVP “is expected at this point to report to training camp, according to league sources.”
This is a noteworthy development for the Sixers. However, training camp doesn’t start until September and obviously, so much can still happen between now and then. Moreover, we are unsure what type of James Harden the Sixers will get if he is left with no other choice but to report to camp.
At this point, Harden’s primary goal is to still facilitate his exit, with the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly his preferred destination. However, there now appears to be a small glimmer of hope that he ends up changing his mind.
NBA Rumors: Bucks Came Close to Trading for James Harden in 2020
This isn’t the first time James Harden has forced a move away from his current team. It’s actually the third time in three years. Back in 2020, the 10-time All-Star wanted out of the Houston Rockets and he did everything he can to make sure his wish would be granted.
Harden eventually found his way to the Brooklyn Nets to link up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, the Milwaukee Bucks actually emerged as a possible destination for him. According to reports, the Bucks had “internal conversations” about making a move for Harden. They even went as far as running the idea by Giannis Antetokounmpo before eventually deciding not to pursue the 6-foot-5 combo guard.
I guess you could say that the Bucks made the right call here. The fact that they won the championship that same season is a clear testament to this fact.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.