12 People who turned their backs on the Philadelphia 76ers

3. James Harden

The ten-time All-Star is one of the all-time greats, but he is no stranger to a messy exit. Harden has forced his way out of multiple situations, but his public breakup with Daryl Morey was shocking. Morey brought him to Houston and helped make Harden a superstar, so it was stunning to see the star point guard call the executive a liar and declare he would never play for him again.

The Beard lasted just a season and a half in Philadelphia. The 76ers were bounced in the second round of the playoffs both years. Joel Embiid became the MVP playing next to Harden, but the team never reached their goals.

The 34-year-old guard was on the Sixers roster to start the 2023-24 regular season but was inactive for the first three games before being traded to the LA Clippers for four role players and multiple draft picks. Morey waited for a significant return and his plan paid off. The Clippers played ball just a few games into the season and gave Philly multiple options in upgrading their roster.

James Harden was a member of the NBA 75th anniversary team and led the league in assists for the second time while playing for the Sixers. He decided to end his tenure with the franchise by demanding a trade. Who knows what would have happened if he chose to stay in Philadelphia next to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?