James Harden told 'nobody f****** wants him' as NBA trade options run thin
NBA star James Harden has been brutally told "nobody f****** wants him".
The former league MVP sent shockwaves through the NBA when he issued some astonishing comments regarding Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey. During an Adidas event in China, Harden branded Morey a liar after talks regarding a trade to the LA Clippers broke down.
He has made it clear this offseason that he no longer wants to play for the 76ers and he only agreed to a $35.6 million (£28m) player option in June to secure a guaranteed salary for next season. Sports podcaster Bill Simmons discussed Harden’s future on his show and had a very honest and frank message for the 10-time All-Star.
“Udoka came in, he got the job at the end of April and they were like 'what about James Harden?' He said 'yeah we can think about it!' Then when he got the job he said 'I don't f****** want that guy' and they threw their weight in front of it. That's what happened," he said bluntly.
"Harden thought he was going there, he thought he was getting a big contract, that's why he took less money to help Philly win for a year, because he knew he was going to leave. That's my theory and I think I'm right. Once that Houston thing got pulled out and Daryl says 'we're going to trade you this summer' he looks around and nobody f****** wants James Harden!
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"I'm sorry, look around the league, who has space for a guy making $35million? If you're Miami would you trade Tyler Herro for him? No way! You're not doing that. Go through the league and try to find the James Harden trade. Go through every team, there's no trade for him. Philly knows that, they've told him that and whether he fully realises that or not, I don't know.”
It appeared as though Harden may return to the Houston Rockets, but that was no longer an option when they chose to acquire Fred VanVleet from the Toronto Raptors. Harden expressed his desire to move to the Clippers and return to his native California, but any chance of that happening this offseason remains in doubt.
Bill Simmons had some choice words for Harden on an episode of his podcast (Mike Windle/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)When speaking to a KHOU 11 television reporter in Houston on Thursday, Harden replied: "I think so," when asked whether his relationship with the Sixers was "beyond repair."
"I've been patient all summer,” he added. “For me, it's just focus on what I can control and getting ready for this season." Following his accusations about Morey, it has been announced that the NBA has launched an inquiry into the situation.
ESPN sources said that the league office are attempting to understand whether Harden aiming for a 2023-24 holdout, which would violate the league's collective bargaining agreement. Furthermore, it is a possibility that Harden may have been referencing previous contract discussions with the organisation that may involve salary cap circumvention.
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