(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Things are never dull with the Philadelphia 76ers and this year is no different as they went into training camp knowing full well how discontent James Harden is.
Harden and the 76ers had a falling out over the summer over his contract and the star guard demanded a trade as soon as he opted into the last year of his deal.
The former All-Star made it clear he wanted to land with the Los Angeles Clippers, and though Philadelphia reportedly engaged in trade negotiations nothing came from the talks.
Daryl Morey has been put in this position before as he dealt with Ben Simmons also wanting out, but instead of caving to a subpar deal he waited things out until he got the return he desired.
By all accounts, Morey is willing to do the same thing with Harden despite the animosity that exists between the two.
Harden could’ve avoided this situation altogether had he just opted out and Stephen A. Smith revealed had he gone that route he would have ended up with the Houston Rockets via First Take.
.@stephenasmith was tipped off by a “very reliable source” that James Harden nearly returned to the Rockets a few months ago pic.twitter.com/HZA4XkheeZ
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 4, 2023
The Rockets were linked as a potential suitor for Harden if he hit free agency, but ultimately they decided to use their cap space on Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
The fit was always a weird one on paper as Houston is several years away from competing, so if Harden is serious about winning his first title then going back to his old team would’ve been a poor move.
Regardless, it feels like Harden’s tenure with the 76ers won’t last past this season and it’ll be interesting to see where Morey ends up sending him.
The post Stephen A. Smith Says James Harden Was Close To Joining West Team appeared first on The Cold Wire.