In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, has made it clear that if he were to trade star player James Harden, it would only be for a player who can guarantee the team’s continued competitiveness.
Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, openly acknowledged during an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic on Tuesday that James Harden has expressed a desire “to be elsewhere.” However, Morey emphasized that the team would only consider trading Harden if they receive a player who can maintain the Sixers’ status as championship contenders.
Despite having the option to enter free agency, Harden decided to exercise his $35.6 million contract for the 2023-24 season, indicating his intention to be traded. It has been reported that he has a strong desire to join the LA Clippers.
Morey, who had a lengthy association with Harden during their time with the Houston Rockets, stated that he is making efforts to respect Harden’s request but emphasized that any potential trade would have to meet the team’s expectations in terms of value and impact.
“If we don’t get either a very good player or something we can turn into a very good player, then we’re just not going to do it,” Morey told The Fanatic, according to the Philly Voice. “If James were to turn his mind around, we would all be thrilled. You’ve heard [Joel Embiid’s] comments about that. But at this moment, he prefers to be traded, and we are attempting to honor that.”
The interview comes a day after a video went viral of Embiid saying he wants to win a championship “whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else.” Morey stressed the need to make sure the team remains competitive next season, regardless of what happens.
“We need to make sure that Joel Embiid, who is one of the best players on Earth, has a top running mate,” Morey said.
“We know we need more talent, whether that’s James returning or what we turn James into.”
Morey also addressed an offseason that saw the Sixers lose three rotation players in Jalen McDaniels, Shake Milton and Georges Niang, saying the team wants to maintain flexibility moving forward. Embiid and P.J. Tucker ($11.5 million player option) are the only players with guaranteed money on the Sixers’ books for the 2024-25 season.
“So what we’re attempting to do is have the best team possible this year but also have the ability that, if we get into a next season situation, to be a very unique team with the most cap room of a team that’s as good as us,” Morey said.
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