James Harden’s dismay with the 76ers has been evident over the past several months. From demanding a trade to calling out general manager Daryl Morey, Harden’s days in Philadelphia appear to be numbered, which is an outcome he’d certainly welcome. But apparently, Harden’s distaste for his role with the team started long before the summer.
Harden joined the 76ers with the understanding that he’d be the second option to Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, and he sacrificed his usual superstar role this past season. He became more of a playmaker for the team, but he wasn’t recognized for it. After being selected to the last 10 NBA All Star games in a row, Harden wasn’t voted in this past season and wasn’t happy about it, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
He was so upset when commissioner Adam Silver reached out to see if he was interested in being named an injury replacement, he didn’t answer for days because he was “pouting.” By the time Harden had said he would accept the invitation, Silver already moved on and named Pascal Siakam as a replacement for Kevin Durant.
Harden denied the report, however. He simply commented “lies” on ESPN’s Instagram post about the report.
“Lies” - James Harden takes to ESPN’s Instagram comments regarding their claims that Harden ignored Adam Silver’s offer to be an injury replacement for the All-Star Game. #Sixers pic.twitter.com/jyDZTtQ7nE
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) September 6, 2023
According to Shelburne, Harden took a $14 million pay cut when signing with the 76ers but the All-Star snub was among the first signs that Harden wasn’t happy with the team and the sacrifices he was making. The 34-year-old ended his season with averages of 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game.
