26 August 2023 , 20:26
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NBA fans have hilariously hijacked the Philadelphia 76ers social media post that wished James Harden a happy birthday.
Amidst the ongoing drama of the veteran guard's recent trade request, it appears unusual for the club to send a heartfelt message to an individual who has expressed a desire to disassociate from the team. The 10-time All-Star, who openly referred to team executive Daryl Morey as a liar earlier this month, was subsequently imposed a £79.4 million ($100,000) fine by the NBA for his comments.
Nonetheless, the Sixers kept it simple, writing "Happy Birthday James Harden" on Twitter with a party hat emoji blowing a party whistle. Unsurprisingly, fans were ruthless after experiencing firsthand friction between both parties.
An array of GIFs were used under the post, including one of former 76ers coach Doc Rivers hilariously laughing at the idea that the team would address Harden after his words. DraftKings Network humorously responded to the post, replying with the infamous Harden GIF where he rolls his eyes at a reporter in disbelief before quickly storming out of frame.
"Admin, blink twice if they are forcing you to tweet this," wrote a platform user. "This must have been an already pre-scheduled tweet because ain't no way they actually tweet this with everything going on," responded another NBA fan.
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"He's not staying. Stop begging him," replied a fan who believes that Harden will ultimately be traded from the organization. "We really wishing this dude a happy birthday? He outright hates the Sixers right now. I don't think this will change his mind," inquired another user.
Trade talks for the 76ers reportedly concluded after Morey felt that teams did not offer enough in exchange for the 10-time NBA All-Star. Philadelphia appears inclined to retain the 34-year-old player, even in light of his commitment to bypass training camp and his expressed intention to create a situation of discomfort for the organization amidst the deadlock.
James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)Sixers star and reigning league MVP Joel Embiid has publically expressed his desire for Harden to return to the team. Embiid believes the duo has unfinished business and should make another run at an NBA title. Besides Embiid, young point guard Tyrese Maxey is one of a few members of the team to publicly comment on the Harden trade rumors, saying he understands that the NBA is a business.
"It's crazy to say this, but it's not our first rodeo, honestly," Maxey said. "That's funny to say, but that's life. James is his own individual, and he's able to do whatever he pleases. I'm preparing right now to play with him or without him. And I love James. If James decided he's going to come back and play for us, there's nobody in this organization that would be upset about that.”
The updated collective bargaining agreement places Harden in a situation where his showing up is necessary to secure his free agency in the upcoming summer. Naturally, he would aim to receive the total compensation he agreed to, as their entire feud stems from the team rejecting his request to be a max player.
Harden can create a disruptive scenario separate from Ben Simmons' actions a few years ago. Simmons' behavior eventually led to the trade involving Harden several months later.