James Harden Reportedly Frustrated With 76ers’ Lack of Progress on Trade

James Harden was a no-show at 76ers practice on Wednesday and hasn’t been with the team since Sunday, as we relayed here.

The reason?

Well, we don’t really know — other than he demanded a trade back in June and one has not been granted. And it doesn’t appear any progress is being made.

That is the reason Harden is skipping practice and other basketball-related activities, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

Harden’s preferred destination is the Clippers (and it seems only the Clippers). But while the sides are discussing a deal, nothing has come close. 

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, a “sizable gap” remains in talks between the sides. He added that “little movement” on a deal has been made in months.

At last check, the Clippers were attempting to rope in another team to provide draft capital and sweeten their offer to the Sixers. But other teams are hesitant to get involved unless they get something substantial in return, sources have told Hoops Wire.

For starters, having a disgruntled Harden in Philadelphia offers opponents a competitive advantage — and most rivals aren’t going to help out the Sixers or Clippers for the sole purpose of bringing an end to the saga.

And right now, there appears to be no end in sight.

Harden, 34, averaged 21.0 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 58 games last season. He referred to president of basketball operations Daryl Morey as a “liar” at an offseason event in China, and has since indicated their relationship is beyond repair.