James Harden finally rejoins Philadelphia 76ers teammates as trade talks sought

05 October 2023 , 15:29

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James Harden continues to be linked with a trade away from the Philadelphia 76ers (Image: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

James Harden has returned to practice for the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time this season.

Harden formally requested a trade from the Sixers in July and his future in the City of Brotherly Love has been in doubt ever since. The 34-year-old signed the $35.6 million (£29.3 million) player option in his contract for the 2023/24 NBA season with the expectation of a move.

Ever since Harden and the Sixers began working on a possible trade, a number of teams have been linked to the point guard. The LA Clippers were the team that seemed the most likely destination, while Harden’s former team, the Houston Rockets, have also been mentioned in some reports as showing an interest.

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For the time being, Harden remains part of the Sixers roster, although there is still time for that to change. Harden missed the first day of practice earlier this week and was not present for the Sixers media day on Monday.

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On Wednesday, Harden showed up for the first time at Sixers practice for training camp. The Sixers have been taking part in practice at Moby Arena in Colorado, and Harden was in attendance to work with new head coach Nick Nurse.

Nurse was hired by Philadelphia this offseason, replacing Doc Rivers who was dismissed at the end of the 2022/23 NBA season. The former Toronto Raptors head coach has spoken about how Harden performed in practice, despite the continued expectation that the point guard could be traded before the season begins.

"He looked good," Nurse said via . "He looked good, participated in the majority of [practice], anyway, and looked like he's physically in good shape."

There is still a lot of uncertainty around whether or not Harden will remain part of the Sixers roster by the time the NBA season rolls around. Before then, though, there is the small matter of preseason games which begins this Saturday.

James Harden has returned to practice for the Philadelphia 76ers (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The Sixers go on the road to TD Garden on Saturday to face the Boston Celtics in the first preseason game. That will be followed by games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks, as well as a home game against the Celtics.

Nurse was asked whether or not Harden will be part of the Sixers roster for the foreseeable, in particular the preseason game in Boston. The Philadelphia head coach expects Harden to still be involved for the time being.

"I think so," Nurse said. "He's here. He knows the schedule, and we expect him to be there. I think we can wait and see on [where things go from here], but every indication is that he's here [now]."

Mark Wakefield