Why James Harden’s Trade Drama Doesn’t Worry Tyrese Maxey

Since joining the Philadelphia 76ers as a first-round pick in 2020, Tyrese Maxey has experienced some highs and lows with the organization. Coming off of a disappointing exit in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Sixers have once again reached a possible low point in the Joel Embiid era.

There is uncertainty surrounding the Sixers heading into the season with new head coach Nick Nurse. While the assumption is that Nurse will offer a fresh voice, along with championship experience and creativity, the 76ers still aren’t sure whether or not James Harden will suit up and play for them.

In the event Harden holds out, the Sixers will be left with a void in their backcourt, missing the league’s assist leader. While that’s quite a significant absence for the Sixers, Philadelphia’s young rising star Tyrese Maxey is calm about the situation.

“It’s crazy to say this, but it’s not our first rodeo,” Maxey said on his podcast this week, according to Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers. “That’s funny to say, but that’s life.”

The Harden saga would mark the second time Maxey’s backcourt running mate is expected to hold out in search of a trade. The first time occurred two seasons ago when the three-time All-Star Ben Simmons held out.

At the time, Maxey benefitted from Simmons’s decision as it quickly forced the former Kentucky guard into the starting lineup, putting the ball in his hands during his sophomore effort. Maxey took advantage of the situation and earned himself a starting role, even when the Sixers swapped Simmons out with Harden.

But now, Harden’s the one who wants out, which could lead Maxey to begin the 2023-2024 season as the starting point guard once again if a holdout ensues. And in the event Harden is not a part of the Sixers’ team activities, Maxey will be ready.

“You just have to kind of sit back and understand what he’s doing as a friend, but then as a teammate and someone as a part of an organization I’m with right now, you have to prepare for whether James is going to be there or not going to be there,” Maxey added. “That’s just the nature of it.”

Similar to a handful of his teammates, Maxey is on the supportive side of Harden’s situation. As Harden has aimed his frustration at Philly’s front office, the ten-time All-Star guard has remained on solid terms with his Sixers teammates. If Harden decides to play for Philly this season, he’ll likely have no issue fitting right back in on the court. If he doesn’t, then Maxey remains confident in the team’s ability to stay afloat in a tough Eastern Conference.

“I think with the position that the Sixers are in, we can’t ever see a season as a wash,” he added. “We have talent. We have the reigning MVP on our team. We have to go out there and expect to win. Expect to still try to complete our goal. It’ll definitely be even more difficult now that one of our best players has decided as of right now he doesn’t want to come back and play. That’s how life goes.”

Soon, the Sixers will gear up for training camp to prepare for the new season. The league-wide assumption is that Harden will not be present at the start, while the Sixers will welcome him back with open arms if he shows. How long will the standoff take place? Only time will tell.