2. James Harden is no stranger to trade requests
Harden knows how this dance works. He has been traded three times in his career, including twice since the start of 2021. The last two times happened during the season after the ten-time All-Star forced his hand. Going from Houston to Brooklyn was just the first scenario. He forced his way to Philadelphia in a similar fashion.
Harden’s final game with the Nets saw him score four points on two of 11 shooting from the field and commit six turnovers. It had some of his teammates wondering if the 6’5 guard had given up on his team, which was followed by him missing the next four games with a hamstring injury.
The ten-time All-Star again got his wish, which was to reunite with Daryl Morey in Philadelphia. The 76ers were the only team that was going to pay a superstar price for James Harden, so the Nets worked out the best deal they could muster.
Fans should not expect anything different from James Harden if he returns to the Philadelphia 76ers. When he decides it is over, things end quickly. Daryl Morey will wait to get what he wants, but that could create a bigger problem for both sides.