If latest reports from the pro hoops grapevine are to be believed, James Harden is apparently still keen on leaving the Sixers. The extent of his desire is hardly earth-shaking in and of itself. After all, he felt aggrieved when he did not get the contract extension he expected in the offseason — a year after he agreed to lower terms in order to provide the red, white, and blue with the financial flexibility to shore up a top-heavy roster. With training camp about to open, however, his projected holdout is seen to put a severe crimp on title hopes in the City of Brotherly Love.
Not that compelling Harden to report to the Sixers’ practice facility in New Jersey this week will make things easier. Since publicly branding general manager Daryl Morey “a liar” and pledging to “never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” the 10-time All-Star has cut off all communication with franchise officials. Which, in a nutshell, means they cannot expect him to play his best even if he is forced to suit up for them. It doesn’t even matter that the National Basketball Association fined him $100,000 for his public comments; if anything, it served to strengthen his resolve.
At this point, it’s fair to argue that Morey will want nothing more than to make Harden someone else’s headache. That said, he’s bent on getting a dollar-for-dollar value in any trade scenario. If nothing else, he needs to ensure that the Sixers stay competitive, lest reigning Most Valuable Player awardee Joel Embiid suddenly develop wanderlust. The problem is the lack of demand for the recalcitrant asset; around the league, the latter’s reputation has taken a significant hit following nasty separations with the Rockets and Nets. Who would want to take a chance in the face of uncertainty?
Logic dictates that the only way for Harden to get his wish is if he first proves his value to potential suitors. This means lacing up his sneakers for the Sixers and being at his best. He’s no spring chicken at 33, and the last thing he wants is to be viewed as requiring high maintenance while providing diminishing returns. As to whether he can let go of his anger enough to finally think straight, only time will tell.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.