James Harden really wants to leave the Philadelphia 76ers and will burn every bridge he has to in order to make that happen.
He created another firestorm on Monday morning when a video of him calling Daryl Morey a liar hit the web.
Perhaps Harden thought this would kick off new trade talks and help him leave the Sixers.
But it hasn’t.
According to Marc Stein, sources say that the Sixers “remain determined” to only trade Harden if they find a deal “that keeps them in the title mix.”
In other words, Harden’s hurtful words aren’t moving the needle for Morey.
We appear to be headed for quite a standoff, since league sources say that the Sixers remain determined to trade Harden only if they find a deal that keeps them in the title mix.
More to come via https://t.co/A6ycVmnZ8Y https://t.co/ubcQycEV2F
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 14, 2023
Anyone who has paid attention to this situation won’t be surprised by Stein’s reporting.
Ever since Harden demanded his trade a few weeks ago, the team’s front office has been adamant that a move would only happen if they were offered something that could help them win.
They believe Harden is an A-list talent and want one in exchange for him.
The problem with this situation is that the Los Angeles Clippers are the only team in contention for Harden.
When he made it clear that he wanted to play for the Clippers, Harden essentially told every other team to not even try to acquire him.
Plus, why would any other franchise attempt to get Harden when he has made it clear how he’ll act for a team he doesn’t want to play for?
Since the Clippers are the only franchise on the radar for Harden, they need to produce a deal that makes Morey and the Sixers happy.
It’s become very evident that they cannot.
So, if Philadelphia’s one condition for a trade cannot be met, Harden is stuck in the City of Brotherly Love.
NEXT: Analyst Says James Harden's Comments On Daryl Morey Were 'Personal'
