Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden reportedly remains away from the team, further clouding his status for Thursday’s regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.
ESPN reported that the disgruntled 10-time All-Star was not with the team for practice on Monday.
Harden was a no-show for practices last Wednesday and Thursday and was ruled out of Friday’s preseason finale, with the team calling his absence a personal matter.
Harden, 34, is reportedly awaiting a trade, with the Los Angeles Clippers as his preferred destination. Talks between the Sixers and Clippers are ongoing, according to multiple reports.
Harden averaged 21.0 points, a league-leading 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 58 games (all starts) during his first full season with Philadelphia in 2022-23.
Harden already has been paid half of the $35.64 million due to him this year — a prepayment option many players opt to take — per ESPN. He is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.
He attended training camp and practiced with the team, but said earlier this month that his relationship with 76ers president Daryl Morey was irreparable.
–Field Level Media
