James Harden may still get his wish to be traded, but that prospect has taken a step in the wrong direction.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday that the Philadelphia 76ers have “ended trade talks” involving the 10-time All-Star.
The plan is for Harden to report to training camp.
ESPN Sources: The 76ers have ended trade talks on guard James Harden and plan to bring him back to training camp for start of the season. The Sixers had periodic offseason conversations with the Clippers — Harden’s desired destination — but no traction on a deal materialized. pic.twitter.com/sJwXMsBYKW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 12, 2023
Anyone following the Harden trade saga this summer could probably see this coming. In an appearance on NBA Today in mid-July, Wojnarowski reported that the 76ers had placed an “exorbitant” value on Harden, requesting too much in return for the 33-year-old veteran.
The Los Angeles Clippers are Harden’s reported first choice. A trade may still happen, but it’s apparent Philly will have to lower its expectations on the trade package.
76ers star Joel Embiid addressed the Harden situation Wednesday in a talk with Showtime’s Rachel Nichols, saying he was “disappointed” to learn his teammate wanted out.
“I want him to come back, obviously, so we can go out and accomplish what we want,” Embiid said. “Which is to win a championship. So hopefully his mindset can be changed.”
Fans quickly reacted to the Harden news, with many pointing out this sets up a really awkward situation in training camp.
James Harden when he finds out the Sixers won’t trade him 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/cCHFyRMJGb
— 𝙍𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮 ☘️ (@CelticsRiley) August 12, 2023
Harden at Sixers training camp pic.twitter.com/OyXKrde6TM
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) August 12, 2023
James Harden the rest of the summer before 76ers training camp pic.twitter.com/aA3fvuGz6U
— 𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕠 〰️ (@MANOMAGlC) August 12, 2023
About to have a phone in his pocket at training camp
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 12, 2023
Congratulations to the nightclubs of Philly.
— craven_carpenter (@CravenCarpenter) August 12, 2023
