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“Can’t Trust Him”: Hours Before James Harden-China Update, Disgruntled Ex-MVP Got a Scathing “Out of the League” Warning

Published 08/17/2023, 4:55 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The NBA world is currently in a state of absolute disbelief. An unforeseen incident has made the biggest story of this year’s offseason even more dramatic. After the Philadelphia 76ers pulled the plug on trade discussions surrounding James Harden, the disgruntled superstar retaliated in the most startling fashion. His statements in China have grabbed the spotlight in the NBA world. However, a veteran analyst seems to have predicted this hours before the former MVP’s statements.

James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers have insurmountable beef now. After Harden took direct shots at the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, the league was put under notice. Furthermore, Harden also expressed his desire to play in China, showing love for his fans in the country. Hours before this however, a veteran analyst shared that if Harden continues to pull his antics, he might end up in China sooner that he would have wanted to.

A veteran analyst gives an “out of the league” warning to James Harden

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Players in the NBA find it a Herculean task to compete in the NBA year-after-year. Given the tremendous skill and intensity in the NBA, players may find themselves out of the league before they even make a mark. However, approaching his 15th year in the NBA, Harden has not only left an indelible mark on the NBA but also became one of the most accomplished players of this generation.

Given Harden’s stature, his statements in China came as a shock to one and all. While taking direct shots at Sixers’ top executive, Daryl Morey, the reigning assists leader also made an uncanny statement. He expressed his desire to play in China, a country most former-NBA players grace after making it out of the league. However, veteran analyst, Kendrick Perkins stated that Harden may follow suit hours before his statements in China.

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“James Harden has everything to lose and if he’s not careful, he could possibly be out of the league after next year because here’s the thing: You can’t trust him… The NBA don’t need him… They move on from old superstars.” said the former NBA champion.

Perkins brutally criticized the disgruntled former MVP. Just hours after Perkins’ statements, Harden added fuel to the fire by taking his offseason fiasco to a different level.

Following Harden’s action, can Kendrick Perkins’ statements be justified?

Can The Beard reach China before expected?

The James Harden-China update sent shockwaves across the NBA world. With the trade talks surrounding James Harden skyrocketing, the fans evidently believe the former MVP still has a lot to offer in the league. However, according to Kendrick Perkins, Harden may be headed overseas before he could have ever imagined.

James Harden is arguably one of the greatest shooting guards in the NBA. However, his actions in the past few years have made him an infamous name in the league. From trade requests to underwhelming performances, Harden has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Now, his statement about playing in China added fuel to the fire.

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Players who rose to the superstar status in the NBA have often found themselves overseas in the past. This may be due to their attitude in the league or due to a string of bad performances. 4-time All-Stars Kemba Walker and DeMarcus Cousins and 3-time DPOY Dwight Howard are some of the league’s finest talents that moved overseas to continue their basketball journey.

Given Harden’s skill and competitiveness, he may not make it out of the league any time soon. However, his erratic moves off the court have made him a highly controversial entity. This raises questions about whether the former MVP can sustain his career in the NBA.

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WATCH THIS STORY: James Harden Risks Offending Close Friend Kevin Durant Amid Rampant Trade Rumors

Was Kendrick Perkins right in his statements? Would NBA teams still choose to have The Beard on their roster despite his controversies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Written by:

Sachit Kaundinya

360Articles

One take at a time

Sachit is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for several years and is deeply passionate about the sport and it’s strategic aspects. Combining his passion and desire to stay connected with basketball, Sachit pursued a writing career.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor