Sixers’ star James Harden skips media day as no trade is imminent
James Harden could be fined for skipping the Philadelphia 76ers’ media day on Monday as his standoff with GM Daryl Morey continues
“He continues to seek a trade, and we’re working with his representation to resolve that in the best way for the 76ers and for all parties,” Sixers GM Daryl Morey told reporters Monday.
Still, no deal is imminent, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Over the summer, Harden called Morey a “liar” for not accommodating his trade request to his hometown L.A. Clippers.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” he said. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
In August, the NBA fined Harden $100,000 for “comments...indicating that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.”
Sixers star Joel Embiid has dealt with holdouts before. Ben Simmons was a holdout for the 2021-22 season before being dealt to the Nets in exchange for Harden in February 2022.
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Asked about his own frustrations with the Sixers’ inability to win a title on his watch, Embiid said, “If every year is going to be the same thing, that doesn’t put you closer to winning a championship, that gets frustrating. But I also believe it doesn’t matter who’s on the team, I’m always going to have a chance to win.”
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey said of Harden on Monday: “Of course, we hope that he comes in and plays, that’s always cool. For myself and our teammates, we gotta keep going out there playing and be ready for whatever life brings us.”
Various other Sixers weighed in as well.
Danny Green said he had to be neutral, adding, “Gotta kinda be Switzerland.”
PJ Tucker said Harden is “my brother” and that what’s happening now “is what it is.”
“That’s me having my brother’s back no matter what...that aside, he has his ongoing thing and at this point it is what it is,” he said. Whatever happens happens, the rest of us have to come here, go to work, and get ready to play.”
