The James Harden Saga Could go Longer Than Expected

Since he requested a trade over the summer, many have waited to see how the Philadelphia 76ers planned to deal with James Harden. Following recent developments, the All-Star guard might be on the roster much longer than he wants to be.

From the beginning, Harden has had his sights set on one team, the LA Clippers. Daryl Morey has had numerous talks with them, but the two sides have never come close to a deal getting done.

As every team around the league gets ready to begin their regular season schedule, it appears making a trade has been put to the side. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported the Clippers have paused their pursuit of Harden for the time being.

"I'm told that with the start of the season now, at least for the foreseeable future, the Clippers are stepping back from these trade talks about James Harden. They are essentially pausing them," Woj said.

With this update, the best move for the Sixers now is getting James Harden to suit up for them in games. So far this year, that has not been the case. After sitting out the team's first two preseason games, he was away for nearly two weeks dealing with a personal issue.

Harden might not have played in the preseason, but that could change in the regular season. Earlier this week, he made his return to the team, expecting to travel with them to Milwaukee to face the Bucks. However, the Sixers are having him stay back and begin his ramp-up at the team's training facility in Camden.

James Harden hasn’t practiced with Sixers since October 15 and plan is allowing him to stay at Camden practice facility and work with team development staff to get the live action necessary to get him playing games once Sixers return from Milwaukee-Toronto trip, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2023