3 NBA teams who’ll be kicking themselves for not upgrading in free agency
By Rob Greene
NBA basketball historian Daryl Morey did his best to assure Philadelphia 76ers’ fans not to be worrisome about the current roster in the summer on local radio during free agency. He sensed the frustration of the faithful. The James Harden situation is knowingly becoming the second go-around of the Ben Simmons cinema since he picked up his player option and the two agreed on a breakup. Actually, it could get worse after the latest news.
Two significant reports came Saturday night from the Sixers via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and the Athletics’ Sam Amick, with Woj stating that Philadelphia ended their trade talks with Harden. Once again, basically acknowledging his weak market value, this time on the trade front outside of brief talks with his desired Clippers but no traction. To expose previous news of Harden and Morey’s relationship being “fractured,” Woj mentioned how it could set up to be an uncomfortable training camp with him loudly wanting the move.
A couple hours later, the ultimate domino fell.
Source: Even with the Sixers ending trade talks on James Harden, the disgruntled star still has no plans on playing for Philly and his stance remains unchanged. Unpacking the latest here, at @TheAthletic https://t.co/4R12mSfc9A
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) August 13, 2023
Amick stated in his piece in the report from a team source that it was unclear whether it would have the same dramatic extent that came with the Houston exit. There have been some whispers of the beard being prepared for another forceful war with the front office. After comments from his summer tour in China Monday morning, Harden asserted that, if not even more ugly, one of the greatest standoff schemes in the history of player empowerment is underway. It certainly showed Harden’s elite abilities at forcing his way out of a franchise.
"“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” James Harden to his audience of children via Shams Charania"
James Harden is just getting started and plans to make things more uncomfortable for Philadelphia, per @ramonashelburne
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2023
“Somebody said to me yesterday, 'This is only the beginning. This is just the beginning of what James Harden is going to do to make life very uncomfortable… pic.twitter.com/yXDX16XRLr
Charania also reported that Harden feels as if Morey betrayed him in negotiations or helping him reach his desires. With this outlook on who the obvious No. 1 team is, you can understand the ringing frustration within the fans. The championship window was wider than ever just over a year ago, with the acquisition of Harden creating an attractive one-two punch.
Following all of this, there was Joel Embiid. Silently removing the 76ers out of his bio on Twitter/X raising all of the eyeball emojis in the midst of a heavy thunderstorm surrounding the organization.