With James Harden trying to force yet another trade that would see him play on his fourth team in four seasons, one former NBA All-Star wonders: Why should anybody trust him?
The 34-year-old Harden, who was a participant during 76ers training camp despite what he said is an irreparable relationship with team president Daryl Morey, has since disappeared on the Sixers.
He no-showed Wednesday’s practice with their season set to begin next Thursday on the road against the Bucks.
Harden is upset with how Morey reportedly left the 10-time All-Star in limbo ahead of free agency, with Harden ultimately exercising his $35.6 million option for this season and requesting a trade.
“If I’m James Harden, I can’t expect them people to give me another five years for 250 million dollars, dog!” former Nets star Kenyon Martin said on Gilbert Arenas’ “Gil’s Arena” show of Harden’s potential meetings with other teams. “Could give a f–k what he promise me sitting at the dinner table. If I’m being honest, he tell me that s–t, I’m leaving that meeting thinkin’ he’s a f–kin’ liar.
“If I’m being honest with myself in this situation, everything that I’ve put on the table? The last three stops? Everything that I’ve put on the table, why would somebody sign me up for another five [years] for the maximum amount of money they could possibly give me? We’re naive.”
Harden hasn’t been with the 76ers since Sunday, according to The Athletic, and head coach Nick Nurse said he didn’t know why Harden wasn’t present.
After eight seasons with the Rockets, Harden demanded a trade and was sent to the Nets in January 2021 to form a Big 3 with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
That lasted 13 months as Harden wanted out of Brooklyn, which traded him to the Sixers for Ben Simmons.
Harden averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game last season for the 76ers, whose season ended with a third straight disappointing exit in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
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