Charles Barkley Dishes Thoughts on 76ers' James Harden Situation

This summer, the Philadelphia 76ers have been put in a tough spot by their ten-time All-Star guard, James Harden. After re-signing with the Sixers last year, committing to the team for potentially two years, Harden has picked up his second-year option on his contract and requested a trade.

While the Sixers are rumored to be hopeful about a potential change of heart from Harden, the star guard seems committed to moving on rather than sticking around for one more season before becoming a free agent once again next summer.

When Harden initially requested a trade, it became clear there was mutual interest between the All-Star guard and the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Sixers reportedly have an expensive price tag placed on Harden right now, and the Clippers are unwilling to meet the price.

The end of the James Harden era in Philadelphia doesn’t seem anywhere in sight at this time, but NBA legend and former Sixer Charles Barkley believes that the Sixers should cut ties with Harden sooner than later and officially make it the Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey show.

“I think it’s time for the Sixers to move off of James Harden — I think it’s time for them to make that trade and turn the team over to Joel and Maxey,” Barkley told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I think it’s that time. That’s just my personal opinion. James has been a heck of a player for a long time, but I think it’s time for him for them to make the best trade possible, and that’s just my personal opinion.”

"I think it's time for them to make that trade and turn the team over to Joel and Maxey."

Charles Barkley gave his thoughts on the James Harden situation to @amyfadoolNBCS. pic.twitter.com/zAwwRZgLV9
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 15, 2023

Unless the Sixers find a way to deal Harden away for another All-Star-caliber player, the plan will be to find the best complementary pieces to pair alongside the league’s reigning MVP, Embiid, and the emerging young star, Maxey.

Considering the start of training camp is still months away, the Sixers haven’t reached a point where they are willing to lower their asking price. If they don’t find a deal before October, then perhaps that’s when they’ll start tweaking their expectations.

For the time being, Harden remains on the roster as he waits for a trade. It’s unclear if a holdout will happen if Harden does not get his wish to be traded granted, but it’s a scenario the Sixers will have to consider, as Harden has proven in past situations that he’s willing to apply pressure for a change of scenery.