76ers star James Harden is practicing with the team in training camp after a rocky summer that included a trade request that never came to fruition.
Harden’s fractured relationship with the front office, especially with executive Daryl Morey, has been well-documented. The Philadelphia star reiterated that the relationship was still tenuous when speaking with reporters on Friday, as he compared it to lost trust in a marriage.
“No,” Harden said when asked by Keith Pompey whether he believed the relationship could be repaired.
“It’s not even [specific] to this situation, this is life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like …” Harden paused and shook his head. “You know, it’s pretty simple.”
#Sixers PG James Harden said he had a relation with the front office (not referring Daryl Morey by name) for 10 years. Asked if he thinks it can repaired, Harden said, “No.” Then he explains why: pic.twitter.com/iTIlktx5Z1
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 13, 2023
Harden reiterated his desire to retire as a member of the 76ers, but said that the organization had other plans, which points to the reported strained contract extension negotiations this summer.
“When I got traded here, my whole thing is that I wanted to be here and retire a Sixer. And the front office didn’t have that in their future plans,” Harden said.
James Harden: “When I got traded here, my whole thing is I wanted to retire a Sixer. I wanted to be here and retire a Sixer. And the front office didn’t have that in their future plans.” pic.twitter.com/YC7NPyoLvK
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 13, 2023
Harden said that he does plan to suit up and play for the 76ers this season, but it’s clear that this relationship is closer to the end than the beginning after a rough summer between both parties.
