James Harden: There’s no fixing 76ers relationship

There’s no trying again now.

James Harden, within the midst of a public feud with the 76ers, was asked by KHOU 11 in Houston if it’s “too late to restore the connection” with the workforce.

“I feel so,” the 33-year-old mentioned.

Harden, searching for a long-term max deal, requested a commerce after opting into his contract for subsequent season.

Regardless of conversations with the Clippers — reportedly Harden’s most popular vacation spot — no deal has materialized.

“I’ve been affected person all summer time,” Harden mentioned of his scenario with the workforce. “For me, it’s simply deal with what I can management and preparing for this season.”

The stress is barely rising thicker between the 2 sides within the Metropolis of Brotherly Love, with Harden blasting 76ers exec Daryl Morey whereas at an Adidas press occasion in China this week.

“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I’ll by no means be part of a corporation that he’s part of,” Harden mentioned Monday. “Let me say that once more: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I’ll by no means be part of a corporation that he’s part of.”

Morey, who beforehand partnered with Harden on the Rockets, at the moment plans to carry onto the 2018 MVP and make issues work in Philly, although The Athletic reviews Harden has no plans in participating in coaching camp.

Curiosity across the league has been tepid for the 10-time All-Star, who beforehand compelled trades away from the Rockets and Nets, and the 76ers lack leverage with Harden publicly pushing for an exit.

Morey has been adamant he wouldn’t settle for a diminished return in a commerce for Harden, who led the NBA in assists final season whereas taking part in alongside 2023 MVP Joel Embiid because the Sixers fell to the Celtics within the Japanese Convention semifinals.

“If we don’t get both an excellent participant or one thing we will flip into an excellent participant, then we’re simply not going to do it,” Morey instructed The Fanatic in July. “If James had been to show his thoughts round, we might all be thrilled. You’ve heard [Joel Embiid’s] feedback about that. However at this second, he prefers to be traded, and we try to honor that.”

Each side seem to have dug in, although Harden appears just fine playing the heel to get what he desires.