Tyrese Maxey Opens Up on Relationship With Two Former 76ers
Over the summer, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves with another disgruntled superstar. James Harden demanded a trade for weeks, and openly criticized Daryl Morey on countless occasions.
In the end, Harden ended up getting what he wanted. During the first week of the regular season, the All-Star point guard was dealt to the LA Clippers for a package of veterans and draft capital.
Given how things played out, Harden's departure from the Sixers was far from a peaceful one. Despite this, one of the team's key players has kept in touch with him.
Before the Sixers' matchup against the Boston Celtics last Tuesday night, Maxey was asked about his relationship with Harden. He stated that the two still talk a lot, and that the Clippers guard saw his meteoric rise coming.
“James and I still talk to this day,” Maxey said. “He tells me, ‘Man, when I watch you, I knew this was coming. I know a lot of people didn’t, but I did.’ Ben [Simmons] believed in me, too. I love those guys. Not because they didn’t come back. Because they believed in me. Same for Joel. I think about it every day, how the situation changed and created opportunities for me. Every day.”
Maxey excelled playing alongside Harden last year, but took a big step forward following his departure. He assumed the role of Joel Embiid's new running mate and it resulted in a breakout season for the young guard. Currently, Maxey is averaging 26 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 6.3 APG.
Since the trade, Harden and the Sixers have yet to face off. That will change at the end of March, when they will battle it out twice in a span of four days. Harden's first game back in Philly is slated for March 27th.
