One lesser-known fact about the NBA is that many players actually despise the team that they play for. This fact was put on full display recently by James Harden, who was more than content openly voicing his displeasure with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Keep in mind this is Harden’s third team in three years. Starting with the Houston Rockets and then the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the Sixers to reunite with former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. The same Daryl Morey whom Harden alleged to be a “liar” and someone who he’d never play for again. A far cry from the Harden that was ecstatic at the prospect of joining forces just a year ago.
Why James Harden Is Delusional About His Trade Value
The rift between both parties was allegedly a contractual dispute, with Morey not following on a financial promise made to Harden. The agreement would have likely delivered Harden another max extension worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
This is where James Harden’s delusion and lack of awareness come into full effect.
In a day and age where teams move on for players like it’s nothing, Harden’s logic here is a tad bit off. A max extension for a 33-year-old whose greatest rival is the Second Round of the playoffs is extremely unappealing. The fact that Harden himself thought this was realistic is surprising.
Even prior, Harden should’ve seen this coming a mile away. Many of his old teammates, such as Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, settling for veteran minimum deals should’ve been a tell-tale sign. Former superstars whose prime is now a thing of the past do not carry much value on the open market. Especially for one whose dedication to basketball has always been questionable at best. Westbrook and CP3 have at least shown a desire to want to contribute to winning. Harden can’t even guarantee that.
Where Does Harden Go From Here?
As for now, Harden has publicly requested a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, a team that isn’t willing to give up much more than chump change for him. It’s funny how even the Clippers realize this more than Harden himself. His trade value is at an all-time low, and his recent actions have plummeted them even further.
On top of all this, Harden has reportedly stated that he plans to make the Sixers’ life difficult if his wishes aren’t granted. His wish is to be traded to a team that barely even wants him.
Regardless, it would probably be best for Harden to do the exact opposite of what he intends to do. Laying low for a while would cause all this to blow over, and a potential transaction could be orchestrated. If this is doable, it would be best for Harden to showcase that he actually can play winning basketball. For whatever team he’s traded to, without quitting when the going gets rough.
If he’s not able to do so, unfortunately, this may be the end for James Harden. His MVP days are likely behind him, and max money after this point seems unlikely. Similarly, his perceived lack of interest in basketball also makes him an unfavorable candidate for teams looking for veteran leadership. Thus, Harden would’ve effectively played his way out of the NBA.
This would definitely be a hard fall-off for someone whose step-back jumper and countless free throws once wreaked havoc across the league. Hopefully, Harden realizes this himself and reverses this situation before it’s too late. It’ll be hard for him to accept less money after all he’s accomplished, but it’s better than nothing. Simply put, it might be his only option to stay in the NBA.
The Aftermath
Evidently, Harden has put himself in a difficult situation here. Teams are no longer likely to trade for him, and even if they do, their offers will be far less than expected. It’s also important to remember the Sixers do hold an interesting leverage in this situation.
The league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement states that, since Harden opted into his player option, he will not be allowed to sit out games. If he doesn’t play next season and the Sixers don’t trade him, Philly holds the right to prevent him from entering free agency. Definitely not the ideal outcome for the All-NBA guard.
The Last Word on James Harden
Thus, it makes all the more sense for Harden to fix all of this while he still can. Whether that means opting to play for Philadelphia or accepting a trade to a team other than the Clippers, the ball is currently in Harden’s court. It always has been. It just seems as if he doesn’t care to get back in the game. This time though, it’s different. As the ten-time All-Star said himself, “It’s time to get uncomfortable.” This only applies to him, though, not his team. Harden’s wake from delusion will be necessary if he wishes to continue his NBA career. If not, he will only be the latest addition to the long list of what “once was.”
