James Harden’s recent behavior is causing frustration among many.
As James Harden continues to push for yet another trade, potentially landing him on his fourth team in four seasons, a former NBA All-Star raises the question: Can he be trusted?
Harden, who is 34 years old, was part of the 76ers’ training camp, even though he claims to have an irreparable relationship with team president Daryl Morey. However, he has since gone missing from the Sixers’ camp.
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For the second consecutive day, Harden failed to attend practice, and with their season set to kick off next Thursday against the Bucks, his absence is raising concerns.
Harden’s dissatisfaction stems from his perception that Morey left him in a state of uncertainty leading up to free agency, prompting Harden to ultimately exercise his $35.6 million option for this season and request a trade.
“If I’m James Harden, I can’t expect them people to give me another five years for 250 million dollars, dog!” former Nets star Kenyon Martin said on Gilbert Arenas’ “Gil’s Arena” show of Harden’s potential meetings with other teams. “Could give a f–k what he promise me sitting at the dinner table. If I’m being honest, he tell me that s–t, I’m leaving that meeting thinkin’ he’s a f–kin’ liar.
“If I’m being honest with myself in this situation, everything that I’ve put on the table? The last three stops? Everything that I’ve put on the table, why would somebody sign me up for another five [years] for the maximum amount of money they could possibly give me? We’re naive.”
Harden has been absent from the 76ers since Sunday, as reported by The Athletic, and head coach Nick Nurse expressed his lack of knowledge regarding the reason behind Harden’s absence.
After a notable eight-season stint with the Rockets, Harden requested a trade and was traded to the Nets in January 2021, where he joined forces with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to create a formidable Big 3.
However, this alliance lasted for just 13 months, as Harden expressed a desire to leave Brooklyn. He was subsequently traded to the Sixers in exchange for Ben Simmons.
Last season, Harden posted averages of 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game for the 76ers. However, their season concluded with a third consecutive disappointing exit in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Harden’s career has seen him move past his prime, and there is a growing perception that his priorities may now lean more toward personal achievements rather than a strong focus on winning.
