NBA Rumors: The Sixers not trading James Harden would be a massive mistake

NBA Rumors: The Philadelphia 76ers would be making a huge mistake by not trading James Harden. 

When the Philadelphia 76ers acquired James Harden for Ben Simmons a couple of seasons ago, it was absolutely more about making the best situation with their backs against the wall. Simmons no longer wanted to be a Sixer anymore and Harden was the best the team could do at the time. Looking back, it was 100 percent a trade that Philadelphia would end up winning.

However, and somewhat ironically, the Sixers find themselves in a very similar situation. Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and has named the LA Clippers as his preferred landing spot.

At least thus far, there hasn’t been much progress on trade talks for Harden as Daryl Morey maintains a high asking price for the All-Star guard. So much so, that it’s led many around the league to believe that the Sixers could very much carry Harden on the roster into the season.

According to a recent report, Harden is expected to report to training camp if he’s still on the roster when it opens for the Sixers. However, if it does come to that for the Sixers, that would be a huge mistake.

The Philadelphia 76ers need to trade James Harden before training camp

Having Harden report to camp is something that Philadelphia should try to avoid at all costs. I know some of this reporting is either negotiation for the Sixers or Harden. Both sides know what they want. The Sixers have a high asking price for Harden and clearly don’t want to lose him for nothing. It’s easy to see why they’re playing hardball in mid-July.

But that’s something that has to fade quickly as we enter August and September. The last thing the Sixers need is another throw-away season for Joel Embiid, who is in the middle of his prime. The second-to-last thing the Sixers need is Harden showing up to camp to be a distraction or an uninterested party.

Knowing what we know about Harden, that’s exactly what he’ll be if the Sixers let this drag into the start of the new season.

It’s July still. The Sixers have time to figure things out. I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. I understand their patience. The way they handle this Harden situation could go a long way in determining Embiid’s future with the team.

The Sixers are in a difficult situation right now. But as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one way they could mess up the most – and that’s by bringing the distraction that Harden is into training camp.