James Harden wanted to retire as a 76er: 'But the front office didn't have that in their plans'

Shams Charania: James Harden tells reporters today that the relationship with Daryl Morey can’t be repaired: “This is in life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. … I wanted to retire a Sixer. And the front office didn’t have that in their future plans.” -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / October 13, 2023

Noah Levick: We just heard from James Harden, who again said he thinks his relationship with the Sixers’ front office can’t be repaired. Harden said he’s still ramping up, intends to play in the preseason finale (and to play in general beyond that). Story to come. -via Twitter @NoahLevick / October 13, 2023

While speaking on NBA Today, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski said the Philadelphia 76ers have a bigger plan in mind, should they trade James Harden. If the Sixers are able to trade Harden to the LA Clippers, they’ll look to make a subsequent deal using the assets they get for Harden. “Daryl Morey’s motivation is whatever he gets from the Clippers, he wants to be able to flip that for another All-Star level guard that he could replace James Harden with,” Wojnarowski said. Because the asking price for another All-Star would be so high right now, it “may be slow going and well into the season” before a Harden trade comes together, per Wojnarowski. -via RealGM / October 13, 2023