In the middle of the busy trade market, the Philadelphia 76ers have been noticeably quiet, adding further tension to the ongoing James Harden saga. Even after Harden’s continued requests for a trade, there has been little response from the organization. Daryl Morey, the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, further intensifies the situation by engaging in a social media activity with Joel Embiid, the star player on the team.
Embiid’s post about enjoying the off-season got a like from Morey, which seems like they are on the same side regardless of the difficult trade situation. This social media interaction reflects the organization’s internal dynamics, suggesting a shared stance on the current scenario involving James Harden.
Daryl Morey likes Joel Embiid’s recent tweet 🤔 pic.twitter.com/YAdVA8fQBe
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 1, 2023
The 76ers’ limited trade activity could largely be due to the difficulty in finding a suitable trade for James Harden that could offer valuable assets in return. Even though he is a six-time All-NBA First Team player, teams appear hesitant to take on the risk of acquiring him, only the Los Angeles Clippers are showing consistent interest. This general disinterest of the teams combined with Harden’s determined push for a trade, could potentially put him in a difficult position.
James Harden’s drama with the 76ers explained
James Harden’s demand for a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers has put the organization in a delicate situation. The reason behind this issue was further highlighted when Harden called Daryl Morey a “liar” during an Adidas promotional event in China. His harsh words, “I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” highlight the depth of their disagreement, which may make his continuation with the 76ers impossible.
This public criticism has made it even more challenging for the organization to negotiate the trade moves. Reportedly, the 76ers have pulled Harden off the trade market after an extensive exploration of potential deals, further complicating the scenario. The ongoing interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, their offers mainly composed of average veteran salaries which are not enough to attract the 76ers into making a deal.
“If we don’t get either a very good player or something we can turn into a very good player, we are not going to do it,” 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey tells 97.5 FM of trading James Harden.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 18, 2023
Morey’s firm stance on not settling for a trade that damages the team’s competitive edge for the upcoming season adds another layer to the drama. His statement, “If we don’t get either a very good player or something we can turn into a very good player, we are not going to do it,” showcases the 76ers’ commitment to maintaining their championship aspirations, even if they can’t solve Harden’s problem.
