James Harden Still Away From Sixers; Daryl Morey Says They’ll Be Good Either Way

Veteran guard James Harden is still not with the 76ers, in case you thought things might have changed.

Instead, Harden remains away from the team after skipping another practice, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. It is “increasingly unclear” if Harden will return for Philadelphia’s season-opener Thursday vs. the Bucks, Wojnarowski added.

Harden, 34, reportedly has not been with the team in more than a week after demanding a trade in June. He is said to be frustrated the Sixers have failed to make a deal — particularly with the Clippers, his strongly preferred destination.

Given that Harden is on an expiring contract, few teams besides the Clippers have shown an interest in a trade. And the Sixers and Clippers have spoken, but are no closer to a trade than they were in July, Wojnarowski recently reported.

Team president of basketball operations Daryl Morey spoke confidently about the Sixers moving forward, with or without Harden.

“This year regardless of what happens with James, we’re going to be a very [bleeping] good team,” Morey said, via Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “If James is here, we’re going to be even better. If James isn’t here or we trade him for something, we’re going to be very good.”

Harden referred to Morey as “a liar” this past summer while speaking at an event in China. Harden and Morey were once tight, but now Harden has indicated their relationship is beyond repair.

But again, Morey said he feels the roster is pretty good as is.

“Look, I feel like we have the MVP of the league (in center and reigning MVP Joel Embiid),” Morey said, via Pompey. “We have a great roster. And our aspiration should be the championship. I don’t really focus on the second round … because I’ve been past the second round several times.”