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.
2. James Harden’s age and declining play
James Harden had a very good season for the Philadelphia 76ers last year putting up 21 points and 10.7 assists per game with a 53.6% effective field goal percentage. He proved he is still capable of effecting a regular season win total greatly.
He was snubbed at the all-star game mainly due to an early season injury. There lies the problem. Harden’s durability has been a severe question since his exit from Houston, which has affected his initial explosiveness.
Despite his scoring numbers declining once initially traded to Brooklyn, the eye test showed Harden’s elite ability to blow by defenders and finish at the rim when he wanted to.
Since his hamstring injury in 2021, Harden has struggled to get past his defenders, is way more sloppy with the ball, and struggles to finish around the rim. This situation comes with age and lack of care taken for the body. Harden will turn 34 this month.
Harden has never been known for his defense. However, he could still every once in a while string together some impressive defensive moments in key spots when he was in his prime. Nowadays, that ship has sailed. Harden will consistently take plays off, and since his scoring isn’t as elite as it once was, that’s unacceptable.
Take into account this, plus his consistent struggles in postseason elimination games, and it all becomes too much to take.
3. James Harden’s lack of commitment
Despite his ugly departure from Houston in 2021, James Harden wasn’t seen as a non-committed player. He had played in Houston for eight seasons and requested a trade once the organization was in a clear transition period.
However, Brooklyn and Philadelphia, on the other hand? That’s some major talent.
Harden didn’t have any empathy for the Brooklyn Nets management with the Kyrie Irving situation. Instead of waiting just one more month for things to settle a bt, although being unclear at the time, Harden requested a trade to the 76ers.
Harden’s lack of effort with the Nets in the games leading up to the trade deadline forced Brooklyn’s hand to move on from the player they gave up so much to get. Irving and Durant would later come into Philadelphia and send a message to Harden by blowing out the 76ers. Oh, what could have been.
In 2023, the 76ers finished with a 54-28 record and showed signs in the playoffs of being an NBA Finals threat. However, they ended up blowing a 3-2 series lead and were sent home in the second round against the Boston Celtics.
Coming off a 54-win season, competitive playoff appearance, talented roster, and an MVP season from his teammate, Harden still decided to request out.
Harden walked away from super-talented teams and gave them little room to run it back. Who’s to say if he is moved to the LA Clippers as reported that he doesn’t ask out quickly there? Considering the Clippers’ disappointing season last year and the consistent absence of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, it’s certainly in the cards.
A combination of unclear priorities, declining play, and lack of commitment are why no NBA team trying to win should be interested in bringing Harden on board.