A trade request, several off-court antics, a China bombshell and tumultuous chaos later, James Harden is here to stay. The Beard remains in Philadelphia 76ers as the franchise prepare to host the former MVP in their training camp ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. The saga that took a full circle began with Harden signing his deal.

Harden opted into his $35,640,000 deal just before requesting a trade from the franchise. Thus began the most dramatic narrative of this year’s offseason. Now, despite openly expressing his disgruntlement, Harden may be forced to stay with the Sixers. However, the franchise do not seem the most thrilled either. Their “reluctanty willing” attitude was discussed by an NBA journalist recently.

Sixers’ shrugged stance on James Harden fate

The Philadelphia 76ers dealt with the utmost humiliation when James Harden made his bold statements in China. Attacking the franchise President Daryl Morey, Harden not only sent a strong message but also slammed the franchise he plays for. However, despite his attempts to jump ship, the 33-year-old may have to return to the Sixers’ roster in the upcoming season.

Harden failed to move the needle in Philadelphia even after his shocking statements in China. Now, an NBA journalist, Mark Medina has shared the reluctant attitude of the Sixers welcoming The Beard back.

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“Whether he wavers or not, or even shows up to training camp is another question. But I think that the Sixers are reluctantly willing to make that gamble because unlike Houston, they have a playoff-caliber team,” Medina said. “They’re not in rebuilding mode, so maybe that puts at least a little pressure for James Harden to make the best of the circumstances. And I think the other thing is, as much as James Harden has made it clear that he doesn’t respect Daryl Morey, he doesn’t trust him, he doesn’t want to play for him, he’s [Morey] in management. It’s different because of that, because he’s not out on the court.”

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Medina shared some major updates regarding how both parties will have to approach their future. Since Harden may not find a new home this offseason, the Sixers’ focus would be on getting his unwavering services. However, one trade that lurked around the corner for several months involved the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harden’s hopes to join Kawhi Leonard came crashing down

James Harden has craved to join Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers throughout this offseason. The idea of Harden pairing up with Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook seemed to thoroughly excite the NBA world. However, the hopes of this blockbuster deal coming through came crashing down as the Clippers ended trade talks surrounding The Beard.

After months of attempting to curate a trade package that would bring Harden to Los Angeles, the Clippers have finally called it quits. “[The Clippers] tried to trade for James Harden, and that deal didn’t happen. And from what I understand, it was the Clippers who said, ‘Okay, there’s no deal here. We’re gonna move on.’ And while I assume that they could certainly make a deal midseason, I assume that this is what they’re gonna go with,” said Brian Windhorst in a recent report.

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James Harden’s efforts to leave Philadelphia have all ended in dismay. Seems like the Sixers are willing to “make that gamble” on Harden’s services too. Given his disgruntlement, there is a strong chance of The Beard pulling a Ben Simmons on the franchise. However, with the 2023-24 season approaching, Harden and the Sixers will have to work through their differences to make a genuine championship push.