James Harden’s immediate future is uncertain, but he appears to have a destination in mind.
The 10-time All-Star allegedly wanted a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, who have effectively blocked that possibility.
The Sixers had conversations with the Los Angeles Clippers, who were reported to be Harden’s preferred destination, but those talks fell through, and Philly is expected to have him at training camp.
Harden is currently in China, engaging with fans at other events where he has already made news. However, he reportedly acknowledged his affection for the Chinese fans.
“Every time I come here, the love is… crazy, you know what I mean?” According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harden stated. “So I feel like they deserve to see me come here and play… Love is always weird around here.”
Earlier this week, while abroad, Harden called 76ers President Daryl Morey a “liar.”
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden declared on Monday. “I’ll say it again: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization in which he is involved.”
Morey, a Houston Rockets player, caused a sensation in 2019 when he posted a pro-Hong Kong remark during a demonstration against a law that would allow extradition of fugitives wanted in China. Protests became violent.
The NBA was blacked out in China as a result, and the league’s relationship with the country has never been the same since.
The NBA was in the midst of a preseason trip that included the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets at the time. Advertisements for the games were removed. The Rockets were in Japan at the time, and Harden was among those who disagreed with Morey’s remarks.
“Please accept our apologies. We adore China, as you are aware. “We enjoy playing there,” Harden remarked at the time, according to ESPN. “We go there once or twice a year, for both of us.” They demonstrate the most vital affection.