James Harden Skips Shootaround, Remains Away From 76ers

October 20, 2023

In the event you thought James Harden might suddenly reappear for the 76ers … well, guess again.

Harden’s absence from the team continued into Friday morning, as he did not attend shootaround before the preseason finale vs. the Hawks, as relayed by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Harden has missed Philadelphia’s previous two practices and reportedly has not been with the team since Sunday. He skipped media day, then started practicing, and is now MIA again.

Per reports, this stems from his frustration that the Sixers have yet to meet his trade demand — specifically to the Clippers.

Harden, 34, reportedly has taken part in just one five-on-five scrimmage at practice since joining the team and has yet to appear in a preseason game.

“I didn’t know if anything was going on because he’s been here,” center Joel Embiid told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “He wasn’t here today, so obviously I think he probably had something important to do or something came up. But guys know what it is.”

Harden 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.