76ers News: NBA's Adam Silver Speaks on James Harden Situation

Admittedly, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is not a fan of the drama that’s been taking place this summer regarding multiple disgruntled stars.

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of two teams that currently employ a multi-time All-Star that wants out. Although James Harden picked up his player option for the 2023-2024 NBA season, he immediately followed up his decision with a trade request.

Philadelphia attempted to honor Harden’s request, but the interested Los Angeles Clippers didn’t have an attractive offer they were willing to put up. When Harden didn’t get his way, the ten-time All-Star went from having a quiet offseason to stirring the pot.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard took a less public approach to his trade request. Unlike Harden, Lillard didn’t go on record to call out Portland’s front office. However, behind the scenes, Lillard’s camp was reportedly on a mission to make it clear that the veteran guard had eyes on the Miami Heat and the Miami Heat only.

Eventually, Silver and the NBA stepped in — and Harden had to deal with a similar situation as the league sent him a six-figure fine for his comments about Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey as well.

“Don’t like them,” Silver said recently regarding the Lillard and Harden sagas. “As a league, I want players and teams to both honor their contracts. I’m watching everything going on in Portland in Philadelphia and hoping they get resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.”

While Silver is “glad” that everything has gone quiet in Portland and Philadelphia recently, the arrival of training camp could bring the drama right back out into the light.

Will Harden show up to Fort Collins next month when the Sixers begin training for the 2023-2024 NBA season? That’s probably the biggest question in Philadelphia right now. Over the course of the offseason, there have been mixed signals regarding Harden’s willingness to show up for the Sixers as soon as the offseason activities begin. After Harden found out that the Sixers temporarily closed shop on the trading front, there was more talk about him skipping camp.

Silver and the NBA have already displayed a willingness to intervene if necessary. Based on the Commissioner’s latest comments, it seems the league will keep its eyes on the Harden storyline in Philadelphia and won’t hesitate to get involved if the situation continues to trend South.