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Things have gotten very ugly between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Obviously, tensions were high when Harden demanded a trade a few weeks ago, but they got way worse when he publicly called Sixers president Daryl Morey a “liar.”
Now 76ers team owner Josh Harris is speaking up about the complicated situation.
“I respect James. I want to, obviously, accommodate what he wants. At the same time, I have to think about a championship contending team, what we can get back,” Harris said, according to Brett Siegal.
He went on: “I’d love to convince him to stay. I understand that that’s not what he wants to do right now. I’m going to keep working to resolve it in a way that everyone can live with and is positive for everyone, whatever that resolution is.”
Sixers owner Josh Harris on James Harden’s situation:
“I respect James. I want to, obviously, accommodate what he wants. At the same time, I have to think about a championship contending team, what we can get back. I’d love to convince him to stay. I understand that that’s not…
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 22, 2023
It sounds like Harris is saying the same thing we have heard again and again since this drama started to unfold.
The Sixers understand that Harden no longer wants to play for Philadelphia and they will try to honor his wishes and find him a new team.
At the same time, they aren’t willing to give him up for just anything.
The front office is adamant about landing A-list talent or promising assets in place of Harden.
And if they don’t receive an offer that has all that, they will sit on their hands and keep Harden on the roster.
Harris made sure to mention that he hopes Harden changes his mind.
What are the chances that the iconic player does that and decides to remain in Philadelphia for the new season?
One would think there is no possibility of that happening because of just how upset he is.
But the NBA is a business, after all.
Perhaps Harden and the 76ers will have a mature business meeting, put the past behind them, and focus on getting back on track.
It might not be likely but it’s also not impossible.
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