
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to his three pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to his three pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Damian Lillard trade saga finally got over when the Bucks acquired him yesterday in a blockbuster trade. But another saga that will surely rumble on till the start of the season is James Harden’s refusal to play for the Sixers. Harden has vehemently stated that he would not suit up for the Philadelphia ever again. With the NBA Media Day almost upon us, it could be an awkward reunion for The Beard with his teammates.
Meanwhile, James Harden has gone viral on the internet after the fans spotted him watching a soccer game and donning another team’s color.
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Harden Looking to leave Philadelphia
It is no secret that James Harden wants to leave the Sixers. And usually, he gets his wish, one way or another. Harden has been accused of having an unprofessional attitude on multiple occasions, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. He lately attended the US Open Finals where fans witnessed him supporting the Houston Dynamos. But that wasn’t the reason Harden was trending, he trended because he was looking slimmer than usual.
James Harden looking slim 👀 pic.twitter.com/gu5zL1kork
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 28, 2023
This came as a surprise to many fans because Harden always enjoys the offseason and starts the season out of shape. It was even more surprising considering he wasn’t looking to play for the Sixers and when Harden wanted a trade away from Houston, he came into the season overweight.

USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
But some fans are still hoping to see James Harden suit up for the Sixers. As he is their second best player and without him, the team might find it tough in the latter stages of the season.
A twitter user by the name of Levin Burant wrote, “I hope he shows up for Philly this year!!”
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Sixers in a Tough Predicament
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough spot, as they look to navigate the Harden saga. Harden was their second best player last season, but he choked when the Sixers needed him the most. The team lost in a very disappointing manner to the Celtics after they led the series 3-2. They lost the decisive game 7.

USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Harden averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. Replacing his contribution could be a tough task for Daryl Morey. Players like Tyrese Maxey and D’Anthony Melton need to step up in Harden’s absence if the Sixers want to finish the season in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
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But with the league fining players that would sit out games, it could force Harden to play for the Sixers again.
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