The Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden appear to be at an impasse. Following a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski early Saturday evening report that the 76ers had halted trade talks for their disgruntled point guard, there were rumors coming out of Harden’s camp that he has no intention of playing for the Sixers again.
ESPN Sources: The 76ers have ended trade talks on guard James Harden and plan to bring him back to training camp for start of the season. The Sixers had periodic offseason conversations with the Clippers — Harden’s desired destination — but no traction on a deal materialized. pic.twitter.com/sJwXMsBYKW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 12, 2023
NBA Rumors: James Harden And 76ers At Impasse, Plus More
Harden had a chance to become a free agent this summer, but instead, he exercised his $35.6 million player option. According to Woj, part of the reason Harden picked up his option was that he and the 76ers brass agreed to work together to find a trade partner. Woj added that Sixers officials now believe Harden gives them a chance to win a title, and they don’t want to break up a potential championship roster.
However, Harden appears intent on forcing his way out of Philadelphia like he did in Houston and Brooklyn. A source close to the 34-year-old told The Athletic’s Sam Amick later Saturday evening that Harden no longer wants to play for Philadelphia and has no plans of taking part in training camp.
There have been questions throughout the summer about whether Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has really been trying to trade the 10-time all-star and former MVP, as he was reportedly asking for an astronomical haul in return. In a radio interview last month, Morey said he was looking for a top-level player in return for Harden or enough assets to get one from another team.
The reported problem with Harden heading to his preferred destination, Los Angeles Clippers, is that the Clippers have been unwilling to part with Terance Mann.
Training camp is still nearly two months away, so there’s still time for the situation to be resolved. But if the Sixers don’t trade Harden, the situation could turn into a mess for both sides.
More 76ers News
Before all the Harden news came out, Wojnarowski reported that the 76ers and Javonte Smart agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract.
Free agent G Javonte Smart is signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. He’s previously had two-way deals with Miami and Milwaukee.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 12, 2023
Smart played for the Sixers this summer. In eight games in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, Smart compiled 15.2 points and 1.6 threes while shooting .484/.361/.680. The 24-year-old guard grabbed 4.1 rebounds, doled out 5.1 assists, and recorded 1.2 steals.
Smart scored in double-figures in all eight summer league games. His best game came in the summer’s finale against New Orleans, where he poured in 23 points on 9 of 17 shooting, including 5 of 9 from the 3-point line. Smart also doled out nine assists and came up with three steals.
Smart went undrafted out of LSU in 2o21. The 6-4 guard has spent most of his career in the G-League though he played in 17 NBA games with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks during the 2021-22 season. Last year, Smart played for the Pelicans’ G-League squared, Birmingham Southern.
Philadelphia has 14 players under standard contracts, and all three of their two-way slots are filled. However, things could change with Harden’s situation and Montrezl Harrell being unavailable due to a torn ACL.
Boston Celtics Sign DJ Steward To Training Camp Deal
The Boston Celtics and D.J. Steward have agreed to a training camp deal, per Wojnarowski.
Former Duke guard DJ Steward has agreed on a training camp deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. He’ll compete for a two-way contract.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 12, 2023
Steward went undrafted out of Duke in 2021 and has spent the last two seasons with the G-League’s Stockton Kings. The 21-year-old guard played for the 76ers this summer, averaging 14.1 points and 1.7 threes with a shooting slash line of .488/.452/.773. He also grabbed 2.6 rebounds and doled out 2.5 assists over 19 minutes in eight appearances.
Steward scored in double-figures in five of eight summer league games. He poured in 36 points on 13 of 20 shooting, including 5 of 10 from deep in the Summer finale against the Pelicans. Steward also dished out six assists and grabbed five boards.
Steward’s addition gives the Celtics 16 players under contract. The C’s have one two-way slot open, with JD Davison and Jay Scrubb occupying the other two slots. Boston still has one spot on their 15-man roster to fill and will likely add a few more players for training camp.
Trey Jemison and The Pelicans Agree to Exhibit 10 Contract
Undrafted rookie Trey Jemison and the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to a training camp deal that includes Exhibit 10 language. The 7-foot center, out of UAB, impressed the Phoenix Suns brass during summer league action. So, it is a little surprising that he didn’t sign with them.
Jemison’s defense is currently ahead of his offense. The 23-year-old is a very good rebounder and finishes well around the rim.
Jemison impressed Suns coach Frank Vogel with his effort.
“That guy plays so hard,” Vogel said. “I’m so impressed with his motor and his rebounding.”
Jemison compiled 8.0 points on 60.7% shooting from the field and 6.8 rebounds in 24 minutes over five summer league games for the Suns. He scored in double-figures twice and grabbed 10 or boards on two occasions.
Jemison is reportedly the fourth player who the Pelicans have signed to Exhibit 10 contracts. Landers Nolley II, Liam Robbins, and Tevian Jones are the others, although none of those have been made official. The aforementioned players give New Orleans 19 players under contract, including Dereon Seaborn, who is the Pelican on a two-way deal.
Nolley went undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2023. The 23-year-old forward averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 threes, and 2.2 caroms while shooting 55.6% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line in five summer league games for the Pelicans.
Robbins went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2023. The 7-footer is a good rebounder who is a fantastic shot-blocker with the ability to stretch the floor. Robbins did not play during the summer league.
Jones went undrafted out of Southern Utah in 2023. The 23-year-old forward averaged 7.0 points, 1.4 threes, and 2.0 caroms in five summer league games. He produced a shooting slash line of .321/.389/.833.
