Woj: Harden Opting into $35.6M Player Option and Demanding Trade from Philly; Wants to Play for the Clippers

[PennSports]

Harden is perfect for the sixers as the ultimate loser. No idea why this guy has so many nut huggers follow him from team to team

Man opted IN to his contract because no one wanted to pay him at least 35 million to NOT play for the sixers. Then decided he only wants to go one place that doesnt have anything to trade for him. Such a loser move that is a perfect match for the sixers. He doesnt even have a reason for wanting out, it is so bizarre. If he thought he was getting paid then why was he leaking stuff about leaving for Houston as early as December? Yea, no one has an answer for that one. You can speculate all day and night about what was or what was not said behind closed doors. The facts are that he was leaking stuff on literally christmas day that he wanted to go to houston and this persisted into the playoffs and beyond.

If he wanted to go the clippers maybe he should have... signed with the clippers. He had every opportunity in the world to do so. This whole situation and similar ones around the league are just so freaking lame. He has his team leaking stuff about the fat suit and how he will be a problem for what...? the third time in four years? Its pathetic.

Most spoiled millionaire.

[Eyeamok]

The scariest star to have while disgruntled/unmotivated is James Harden. Remember the end of his tenure in Houston? It was all time bad.

You could be right. But a lot has changed since Harden's time in Houston. Most noticably the decline in his game. If he dogs it this season for the 76ers, then that hurts his ability to get a nice contract at the end of this season. Which GM wants to sign a guy on the decline who dogged it the previous season for major years and $?

[HardenGoat]

Harden is perfect for the sixers as the ultimate loser. No idea why this guy has so many nut huggers follow him from team to team

Man opted IN to his contract because no one wanted to pay him at least 35 million to NOT play for the sixers. Then decided he only wants to go one place that doesnt have anything to trade for him. Such a loser move that is a perfect match for the sixers. He doesnt even have a reason for wanting out, it is so bizarre. If he thought he was getting paid then why was he leaking stuff about leaving for Houston as early as December? Yea, no one has an answer for that one. You can speculate all day and night about what was or what was not said behind closed doors. The facts are that he was leaking stuff on literally christmas day that he wanted to go to houston and this persisted into the playoffs and beyond.

If he wanted to go the clippers maybe he should have... signed with the clippers. He had every opportunity in the world to do so. This whole situation and similar ones around the league are just so freaking lame. He has his team leaking stuff about the fat suit and how he will be a problem for what...? the third time in four years? Its pathetic.

Most spoiled millionaire.

It’s more likely he and the Clippers had already discussed this trade. The instruction were opt in. Have agent tell everyone he only wants clippers. Viola - the team he goes to doesn’t get gutted. It’s a bit riskier now with the new CBA but he’s probably the best available to pull it off

[durden_tyler]

If the assumption is true that the Sixers backed out of a longterm deal, then that makes it a great move for Philly!

[Johnny Bball]

This is pretty interesting. I thought about making it it's own thread since it will end up applying to more players but I guess I'll just stick it here for now.

There's a clause in the new CBA that protects teams from players holding out and refusing to play during the final year of their contract. If I'm understanding it, if a player in the last year of his contract sits out for the first 30 days of the season, his contract is voided and he becomes a free agent but can't sign with any other team without the permission of his previous team. So the team could just decide the player's career is over.



https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/272573/Sixers-Protected-From-James-Harden-Holding-Out-Due-To-Obscure-Clause-In-CBA

That clause is absolutely wild. Can’t believe the players agreed to it. Holy ****.

its the last portion that is relevant though. simmons did show up and dogged it and was sent home. so he met the terms of his contract. fat harden could show up and dog it too. its just an unpleasant situation all around

Thats what he did in Houston. Not sure why anyone expects anything different. And he's not playing when even slightly banged up.

[eyeatoma]

All I know if Harden was misled and now in this mess I'm all for it given the **** he's pulled in his career

Karma mother focker

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

[eyeatoma]

Harden is perfect for the sixers as the ultimate loser. No idea why this guy has so many nut huggers follow him from team to team

Man opted IN to his contract because no one wanted to pay him at least 35 million to NOT play for the sixers. Then decided he only wants to go one place that doesnt have anything to trade for him. Such a loser move that is a perfect match for the sixers. He doesnt even have a reason for wanting out, it is so bizarre. If he thought he was getting paid then why was he leaking stuff about leaving for Houston as early as December? Yea, no one has an answer for that one. You can speculate all day and night about what was or what was not said behind closed doors. The facts are that he was leaking stuff on literally christmas day that he wanted to go to houston and this persisted into the playoffs and beyond.

If he wanted to go the clippers maybe he should have... signed with the clippers. He had every opportunity in the world to do so. This whole situation and similar ones around the league are just so freaking lame. He has his team leaking stuff about the fat suit and how he will be a problem for what...? the third time in four years? Its pathetic.

Most spoiled millionaire.

It’s more likely he and the Clippers had already discussed this trade. The instruction were opt in. Have agent tell everyone he only wants clippers. Viola - the team he goes to doesn’t get gutted. It’s a bit riskier now with the new CBA but he’s probably the best available to pull it off

As you know the worst GM to do this to is Daryl though. Daryl will get what he wants, or he won't trade him.

[jkvonny]

The Harden nutt huggers will keep us updated.

[Rapsdaman]

He'll probably end up a clipper but man Harden becoming annoying with the constant trade request. Man needs to stopping thoting around. He getting pim**ed out around the league now lol.Trade him to clippers then 76rs should just trade joel to the knicks. I actually would like him there on that team and think that be a amazing fit fo him there. For Philly fans, sorry the process has failed horrendously. The fultz pick was so unfortunate along with what happend to simmons. That what iff is portland esk during the b.roy days. 76ers gotta rebuild, fummbled to many chances. Yall had 2nd chance with jimmy n let the man go! To many missed opportunites

[PennSports]

Harden actually has a a better chance to win in philly than in clipper land. East has kind of taken a step back. New look Boston besides the Jays, Heat in limbo with Lillard could take forever, Bucks off a first round exit brought everyone back but theyre getting old. If Embiid didnt get hurt one time out of 7 years in the playoffs id call that a better chance to do something than going to the clippers. He plays through all kinds of BS at least though which somehow seems to be worse for his reputation than George and Kawhi somehow.

The west is stacked again and the clippers star players get hurt more than embiid while not playing through them

[docholliday99]

Harden is perfect for the sixers as the ultimate loser. No idea why this guy has so many nut huggers follow him from team to team

Man opted IN to his contract because no one wanted to pay him at least 35 million to NOT play for the sixers. Then decided he only wants to go one place that doesnt have anything to trade for him. Such a loser move that is a perfect match for the sixers. He doesnt even have a reason for wanting out, it is so bizarre. If he thought he was getting paid then why was he leaking stuff about leaving for Houston as early as December? Yea, no one has an answer for that one. You can speculate all day and night about what was or what was not said behind closed doors. The facts are that he was leaking stuff on literally christmas day that he wanted to go to houston and this persisted into the playoffs and beyond.

If he wanted to go the clippers maybe he should have... signed with the clippers. He had every opportunity in the world to do so. This whole situation and similar ones around the league are just so freaking lame. He has his team leaking stuff about the fat suit and how he will be a problem for what...? the third time in four years? Its pathetic.

Most spoiled millionaire.

It’s more likely he and the Clippers had already discussed this trade. The instruction were opt in. Have agent tell everyone he only wants clippers. Viola - the team he goes to doesn’t get gutted. It’s a bit riskier now with the new CBA but he’s probably the best available to pull it off

As you know the worst GM to do this to is Daryl though. Daryl will get what he wants, or he won't trade him.

They'll have to keep him then cause no team without cap space next season won't trade for him. As much as Philly thinks they have Harden trapped in the corner to play, Harden's contract being ineligible to be extended has taken anything of substantive value off the trading table. There is no doubt Harden will blow it up in Philly if he's still there.

[docholliday99]

All I know if Harden was misled and now in this mess I'm all for it given the **** he's pulled in his career

Karma mother focker

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

[eyeatoma]

All I know if Harden was misled and now in this mess I'm all for it given the **** he's pulled in his career

Karma mother focker

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

No that is a surprise. He disappeared, just because he's done it in the past, doesn't mean the Sixers would want to tie themselves to someone like that for the next 3-4 years.

[docholliday99]

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

No that is a surprise. He disappeared, just because he's done it in the past, doesn't mean the Sixers would want to tie themselves to someone like that for the next 3-4 years.

It's a business and Harden makes the team money, maybe not with playoff wins. Personally, I like the Sixers in this position but I do feel for the fans. The Process and the process have both fallen short.

[HardenGoat]

All I know if Harden was misled and now in this mess I'm all for it given the **** he's pulled in his career

Karma mother focker

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

What happened was Celtics ran a zone defense to take away the PNR lanes. They forced Phillies shooters to beat them from the corners. Unfortunately when you have a big man like Embiid sitting in the lanes he brings help defenders with him. That takes away the drives from Harden (and Maxey). Maxey was blocked 3 times. Doc also didn’t get the right guys in there after the brickfest started. In games 6 and 7 Philly’s best shooters were on the bench the entire second halves.(Niang and Tucker) Harris and Melton went 2/18 from 3 in those games. That right there killed the spacing and even a player like Embiid can’t overcome a solid defense like the Celtics possess using hero ball tactics. Look at how the Knicks beat the Cavs. They did the same zone collapse defense and held Mitchell to 40% with 15 turnovers the last 3 games. Put him on Philly and it would be the same thing (he would be wASheD). Lol. I think Nurse can run a more dynamic offense than Doc but the current offseason build is head scratching so far. Niang was the best shooter and Doc failed to play him when we desperately needed spacing. McDaniels never got a legit chance to play.

[eyeatoma]

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

What happened was Celtics ran a zone defense to take away the PNR lanes. They forced Phillies shooters to beat them from the corners. Unfortunately when you have a big man like Embiid sitting in the lanes he brings help defenders with him. That takes away the drives from Harden (and Maxey). Maxey was blocked 3 times. Doc also didn’t get the right guys in there after the brickfest started. In games 6 and 7 Philly’s best shooters were on the bench the entire second halves.(Niang and Tucker) Harris and Melton went 2/18 from 3 in those games. That right there killed the spacing and even a player like Embiid can’t overcome a solid defense like the Celtics possess using hero ball tactics. Look at how the Knicks beat the Cavs. They did the same zone collapse defense and held Mitchell to 40% with 15 turnovers the last 3 games. Put him on Philly and it would be the same thing (he would be wASheD). Lol. I think Nurse can run a more dynamic offense than Doc but the current offseason build is head scratching so far. Niang was the best shooter and Doc failed to play him when we desperately needed spacing. McDaniels never got a legit chance to play.

Great analysis!

[dakomish23]

When does PHX trade Beal for Harden

[DusterBuster]

When does PHX trade Beal for Harden

Beal still has his NTC I believe, so he would have to WANT to goto Philly.

[Snotbubbles]

You have no proof of that. Neither do I, but logically speaking Daryl probably said, keep up your performance in the playoffs and you'll get the contract. He didn't, so obviously the sixers aren't going to give a perennial choker a max contract. Daryl and the Sixers aren't insane.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

What happened was Celtics ran a zone defense to take away the PNR lanes. They forced Phillies shooters to beat them from the corners. Unfortunately when you have a big man like Embiid sitting in the lanes he brings help defenders with him. That takes away the drives from Harden (and Maxey). Maxey was blocked 3 times. Doc also didn’t get the right guys in there after the brickfest started. In games 6 and 7 Philly’s best shooters were on the bench the entire second halves.(Niang and Tucker) Harris and Melton went 2/18 from 3 in those games. That right there killed the spacing and even a player like Embiid can’t overcome a solid defense like the Celtics possess using hero ball tactics. Look at how the Knicks beat the Cavs. They did the same zone collapse defense and held Mitchell to 40% with 15 turnovers the last 3 games. Put him on Philly and it would be the same thing (he would be wASheD). Lol. I think Nurse can run a more dynamic offense than Doc but the current offseason build is head scratching so far. Niang was the best shooter and Doc failed to play him when we desperately needed spacing. McDaniels never got a legit chance to play.

The offseason was not really head-scratching. They weren't signing guys for multiple years.

Agree with everything else.

[jstross]

The off season will come down to what the return is for Harden. They lost some offense, but Niang and Milton can't defend to save their life. I would've signed McDaniels for what he signed for in FA.

Harden was Harden in the playoffs, so no real surprise there. However, the biggest reason Philly hasn't won isn't Harden it's Embiid; Harden's not supposed to carry Embiid, that's Embiid's job to carry everyone else. He's great until he gets up against a defensively aggressive team that likes to run - Heat 2 season ago, Celtics this past one. Unless Embiid gets his cardio up, teams will just keep running him off the floor in the games that matter.

Philly needs a scapegoat though, so I get it.

What happened was Celtics ran a zone defense to take away the PNR lanes. They forced Phillies shooters to beat them from the corners. Unfortunately when you have a big man like Embiid sitting in the lanes he brings help defenders with him. That takes away the drives from Harden (and Maxey). Maxey was blocked 3 times. Doc also didn’t get the right guys in there after the brickfest started. In games 6 and 7 Philly’s best shooters were on the bench the entire second halves.(Niang and Tucker) Harris and Melton went 2/18 from 3 in those games. That right there killed the spacing and even a player like Embiid can’t overcome a solid defense like the Celtics possess using hero ball tactics. Look at how the Knicks beat the Cavs. They did the same zone collapse defense and held Mitchell to 40% with 15 turnovers the last 3 games. Put him on Philly and it would be the same thing (he would be wASheD). Lol. I think Nurse can run a more dynamic offense than Doc but the current offseason build is head scratching so far. Niang was the best shooter and Doc failed to play him when we desperately needed spacing. McDaniels never got a legit chance to play.

The offseason was not really head-scratching. They weren't signing guys for multiple years.

Agree with everything else.