The James Harden saga continues to unfold.
Reports suggest that James Harden attempted to board the Philadelphia 76ers’ team flight to Milwaukee but was prevented from doing so by airport security. Earlier in the week, it was reported that Harden would miss the first two games of the Sixers’ season after a ten-day absence from the team.
RELATED: James Harden Explicitly Told Not To Come On Sixers Road Trip With His Bags Already Packed
However, it seems this was more of a suggestion than a strict order, leading Harden to make an effort to join the team’s charter flight at a private airfield. Security personnel intervened, informing him that he was not authorized for the flight to Milwaukee.
Initially, staying back was interpreted as a suggestion rather than a mandate, sources say. Harden proceeded to participate in portions of the session with the intention of joining the the team on the flight to Milwaukee that afternoon.
After practice, Harden arrived at the fixed-base operator airport to board the team flight, but he was stopped by a security official who notified him that he was not permitted to accompany the team, sources say.
It remains unclear how this mix-up occurred. The team’s previous statements indicated that Harden would not return to play until at least the team’s home opener against the Blazers on Sunday. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse stated, “He’s been gone for 10 days, so we’re in a ramp-up phase again. He understands he’s got to get ramped up. He wants to get back to playing live, full-court basketball.”
In other news related to Harden, the LA Clippers have decided to step back from trade talks involving the player, at least for the foreseeable future. They have been in discussions with Philadelphia for months regarding a trade for Harden, but have now chosen to pause those discussions as they focus on starting their season and assessing their team with a healthy Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Clippers may revisit the matter later in the year, as they are the sole serious bidder for Harden.
As it stands, it appears that Harden and the Sixers are bound together for the time being.
