NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Reasons why James Harden isn’t worth the gamble anymore

NBA Trade Rumors: James Harden has asked out of a team for the third time in three years. Is he worth a fourth?

Just before the start of NBA Free Agency, on June 25th, Harden requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, and two months later, he is still on the team.

Nearly two weeks ago, Harden was in China and spoke publicly on the situation calling general manager Daryl Morey a “liar” and that he will never play for an organization that he is a part of. These words were shocking considering the relationship Harden had with Morey over their years in Houston and now Philly.

What isn’t surprising is Harden being unhappy in another situation. The question now is, objectively is it worth it for any other team to take the gamble on Harden?

3 reasons why NBA teams shouldn’t take a chance on James Harden anymore

1. James Harden’s priorities remain very much unclear

One major element of Harden’s actions since 2020 that isn’t questioned enough is his priorities.

Actions speak louder than words, and although Harden has said numerous times about his commitment to winning and sacrifice, he has left superstar teammates, beefed with coaches, and has been unhappy with his contract negotiations.

Harden declined a three-year $161 million offer with the Brooklyn Nets in the fall of 2021. He requested out at the trade deadline and got his wish to team up with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

Morey reportedly convinced Harden to take a pay cut to ultimately make room for free agents P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. last summer.

This summer, Harden and Morey couldn’t agree to a contract extension, therefore he opted into his player option and requested a trade from a team that had the 2023 MVP and was one quarter away from going to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Doc Rivers also commented on The Bill Simmons podcast expressing the frustrations of coaching Harden including his lack of interest in moving without the ball.

It seems like Harden wants to appear like he cares about winning, but also get paid like an MVP and demand the ball 24/7. Not many of those players are holding the Larry O’Brien in June.