Although James Harden has reportedly reiterated his trade request to the 76ers‘ front office, there may be a “path to reconciliation” between the 10-time All-Star and Philadelphia.
Harden and the Sixers have been working on finding a trade partner since June. Though the Clippers have emerged as a possible suitor, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that conversations with 76ers players may be able to sway the 33-year-old into possibly giving it another go with the team.
“There is a sense that if they can give it some time and he’s cool with his teammates, he’s been talking to Joel Embiid, he’s been talking to Patrick Beverley, PJ Tucker, that eventually maybe those fences can be mended, and there is a path to reconciliation with James Harden—but, for now, he has reiterated his trade request,” Shelburne said on ESPN’s NBA Today.
Shelburne also noted that Harden’s approach to the trade with Philadelphia has been a “request,” not a “demand.” She also explained the Sixers are open to trying to deal Harden, but there’s “no hurry” to do it.
“I don’t think they’re close on anything. James Harden has spoken to [president] Daryl Morey since the first trade request, and I think there was a cooling off period … They’ve spoken again, and [Harden] still reiterated he wants to be traded. Now, this isn’t a demand, it’s a request. I think the Sixers have said, ‘Okay we will try to trade you,’ but there is no hurry to do this,” Shelburne said. “I think the Sixers understand here that they have the leverage. James has picked up his option, this is an opt-in … He’s going to be a free agent, so at some point, he needs to play, whether that’s in Philadelphia or elsewhere.”
There’s a lot on the table, but it seems the Sixers are in no rush to move Harden. However, Joel Embiid and Patrick Beverley have publicly said they hope their teammate changes his mind and chooses to stay.
