Reviewing Sixers' James Harden Saga Timeline and What's Next

Another summer following an early playoff exit called for another drama-filled offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers. Two years ago, the Sixers entered a new season in a standoff with the three-time All-Star guard Ben Simmons after they failed to find a trade suitor for the defensive standout prior to training camp. This time around, it’s the ten-time All-Star James Harden that wants out.

Last summer, nobody could’ve guessed Harden would engage in a standoff with a Sixers organization, which Daryl Morey runs. After all, Morey and Harden have been close since their days working together while members of the Houston Rockets.

After Morey’s second attempt to trade for Harden since leaving Houston for Philadelphia was successful in 2021, the All-Star guard decided to return to the Sixers on a revised deal, which included a discount for the Sixers, allowing them to sign players such as PJ Tucker, Danuel House, and Montrezl Harrell.

Philly’s master plan wasn’t executed. Despite getting Harden back in the picture for a full season with some key acquisitions, the Sixers still found themselves out before the Eastern Conference Finals. To make matters worse, they faced uncertainty with Harden well before the season even concluded.

Since Christmas Day, Harden was linked back to the Rockets once again. As Harden was potentially set to hit the free agency market, he was consistently connected to his former organization throughout the Sixers’ 2022-2023 season. In the weeks leading up to free agency, Harden’s chances of returning to Houston went from an assumed sure thing to dwindling by the day.

Eventually, the Rockets prioritized a younger prospect in Fred VanVleet, after he opted out of his contract with the Toronto Raptors and became a free agent. Harden hoped the Sixers would come to the table with a significant multi-year offer, but the two parties never prematurely discussed a new deal before Harden’s option expired.

Getting the feeling the Sixers wouldn’t pay above market value, Harden picked up his $35 million option for next season — but it wasn’t with the intent of returning to play for the 76ers.

Eyes for the Clippers

The New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers were the only two teams linked to Harden following his decision to pick up his option. New York’s rumored interest was short-lived. Meanwhile, Harden desired to play for the Clippers — but LA made it clear they didn’t plan to part ways with any All-Stars or young standouts.

Seeing the Sixers in a similar situation two seasons ago, nobody expected Morey to change his approach this time around. When the President of Basketball Ops has an asking price in mind, he isn’t interested in lowering it for the sake of getting something done. Morey made it clear that Harden would cost a top-tier player in return. And LA made it apparent they aren’t parting ways with Paul George of Kawhi Leonard.

All on the Mend?

Making an appearance at Michael Rubin’s party, Harden reunited with some of his key Sixers teammates weeks after his trade request went public. At that point, it seemed that all was well in Philadelphia, and some started to believe that everything was on the mend.

However, Harden didn’t want the social media posts to get the narrative twisted. Once again, the veteran guard reiterated his desire to be traded — specifically to the Clippers — and not long after he told the Sixers behind the scenes that he still wanted to be moved, Harden got cryptic on social media.

“Been comfortable for so long,” Harden wrote in an Instagram story. “It’s time to get uncomfortable.” In a late July post, Harden warned the Sixers of his plan to get uncomfortable in the event he doesn’t get his way before preparation for next season begins.

Showing an Understanding

No stranger to standoffs — successful ones at that — Harden has been in this position before. And before he took things to an uncomfortable space, the veteran guard showed a logical understanding of stalled trade talks.

Although Harden never publicly addressed his own situation at the moment, the star guard discussed the scenario that’s been playing out in Portland with Damian Lillard. Since Harden’s situation is similar, his thoughts made it clear that he understands the perspective of Philly’s front office.

“The organization wants to do what’s best for them. They don’t want to just give a player that basically is one of the best players that they’ve ever had in their organization away for nothing,” Harden told USA Today Sports in July. “Then I get the player’s side as far as wanting to play and wanting to be somewhere. Whether it’s because it’s the right situation for you, for your family, or yourself, or whatever that person is going through. So I see both sides. So if they can meet in the middle and kind of come to an agreement and figure it out, then that’s like the best scenario.”

Sixers Close Shop

Having the Sixers officially shut down trade discussions with the Clippers was likely the worst-case scenario for Harden. Last weekend, the organization did just that. In the weeks leading up to this decision, it was reported that the Sixers didn’t believe the Clippers were very serious in trade negotiations regarding Harden.

Therefore, the Sixers notified the Clippers that the Harden market is closed for now. If that was an attempt to make the Clippers panic and increase their offer to get a deal done before training camp, then it wasn’t successful. Either way, the Sixers remain hopeful that Harden will show up for camp to prepare to begin the 2023-2024 season with him on the roster.

But the guard stuck to his plan to get uncomfortable just two days after the Sixers stopped taking calls.

Calling Out Morey

"Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said during a Q&A session in China this week. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

Harden’s public announcement was trending on Monday as he officially declared his working relationship with Daryl Morey over after spending a decade’s worth of time together. Staying true to his plan, Harden looked to put the Sixers in a tough spot.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, Daryl Morey “wasn’t surprised” at Harden’s comments this week. While the President of Basketball Ops hasn’t issued a public response at this time, Pompey reports the team is “unmoved” by Harden’s statement.

Just Getting Started

Here’s an update on the saga from two separate insiders over at ESPN, painting the picture of what’s happening and what’s to come:

“James Harden and his agent decided and believed at the time they were not going to get the kind of extension that they wanted, which was longer-term, closer to max money. They opted into the deal, which then allowed him to be traded. Told the Sixers trade him to the Clippers. The Sixers really have not had any real interest in trading James Harden. They can’t get value for him back that continues to allow them to be a contender. … This has been escalating behind the scenes all year. Now, it is playing out in public. James Harden’s goal is to make the Sixers so uncomfortable that they decide they just cannot bring him back to training camp.” - Adrian Wojnarowski

“Somebody said to me yesterday, ‘This is only the beginning.’ This is just the beginning of what James Harden is going to do to make life uncomfortable for the Philadelphia 76ers going into training camp. They went through this with Ben Simmons. He didn’t show up to camp, left money on the table — that’s not going to happen here with James Harden. This is going to be very uncomfortable. Ben Simmons didn’t say anything. Ben Simmons stayed home. If you heard anything, it was not loud. This was with a microphone, let me repeat myself. The phrase I kept hearing was, ‘This was just the beginning.’” - Ramona Shelburne

It’s been a long offseason for the Sixers and those who pay attention to the team. While there have been time periods where the dust seemed to settle, it seems the finish line to the Harden saga is nowhere near in sight.