While nothing currently points to 76ers star guard James Harden having a change of heart on his initial trade request, it appears there may still be a new plan—at least in the eyes of the team.
Harden has remained steadfast in his efforts to be moved out of Philly, but according to The Athletic's Sam Amick, there's a widespread belief that the Sixers are looking to do the exact opposite. While citing the issues that came with former teams not getting a trade done involving moving Harden (Rockets, Nets), Amick reported that rival NBA execs believe the Sixers are attempting to keep the disgruntled star.
Yet despite all that relevant history, and in spite of the fact that Morey may know Harden, and all of his complexities, better than anyone in the NBA, rival executives with whom I spoke at summer league were universally convinced that the Sixers are now attempting to keep Harden. Discontent be damned.
To piggyback off that, Amick also cited the fact that sluggish trade talks between the Sixers and Clippers support that. Even more interesting is the fact that, per the report, Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has been asking for such a large return for Harden that it's "left the strong impression that he had no genuine interest in getting a deal done anytime soon."
This comes on the heels of multiple players, including Sixers star Joel Embiid and new addition Patrick Beverley openly stating they hope Harden remains with the franchise. With that said, Amick’s report cites a source stating that guard’s stance on a trade has not changed.
It’s unknown whether the Sixers can mend fences with Harden prior to the season, but if they do, the team’s core, paired with new coach Nick Nurse, could make them an interesting team to watch as a legitimate NBA title contender.
