NBA Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of Philadelphia 76ers not trading James Harden

Cons of not trading James Harden

Even for the most optimistic of fans, it’s almost impossible to not think about the negative effects that could take place if the Philadelphia 76ers do elect to move forward with entering the season with James Harden on the roster. We explore a few of those “cons.”

Con No. 1: He could make more of a mess 

If there’s anything we know about James Harden, it’s that he’s almost willing to do anything to get his way. We saw that toward the end of 2020 when he didn’t show up at the start of the Houston Rockets training camp (after he had demanded a trade) and some of that toward the end of his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. Heading into the final few weeks of the offseason, the question shouldn’t revolve around whether Harden is going to make this situation more of a mess. It should be about how much more of a mess is Harden willing to make this.

After the report that the Sixers have elected to end trade talks for Harden, there’s likely going to be a “next move” from Harden and his camp. What that will be remains to be seen, but there’s one coming. You can bet on that. And it won’t be a pretty one. This situation is going to get a lot messier before any resolution arises. Are the Sixers willing to live with that?