On the eve of the 76ers’ season opener at Milwaukee, disgruntled guard James Harden reported to the Philadelphia facility on Wednesday, per multiple reports.
Harden returned to the team but is not expected to play Thursday night against the Bucks or on the season-opening road trip that also includes a Saturday stop in Toronto.
ESPN reported that the Sixers asked the 10-time All-Star to focus on conditioning and get ready to play in games for the first time next week. Philadelphia’s home opener is Sunday against Portland.
A limited participant in his brief time at training camp, Harden was away from the team for 10 days. His physical condition might only be part of the equation based on his summertime statement that he would never play for Philadelphia again.
Harden has said that his relationship with team president Daryl Morey is beyond repair, repeating his preference to be traded.
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid said he remains optimistic Harden will stick around.
Yahoo Sports and The Athletic reported no deal appears to be imminent involving Harden, who reportedly prefers a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“This is in life,” Harden, 34, said earlier this month. “When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. … I wanted to retire a Sixer. And the front office didn’t have that in their future plans.”
Harden, a six-time first-team All-NBA player acquired twice by Morey, soured on his boss and made clear when he spoke in August at an Adidas event in China that he wouldn’t play for the 76ers again.
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said then. “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.”
–Field Level Media
