The James Harden soap opera has taken another twist.
After skipping practices last week amid a trade demand, the star guard returned to the 76ers practice facility Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
However, despite the 34-year-old showing up with his bags packed, the 76ers asked him not to travel for the team’s season-opening road trip to Milwaukee and Toronto, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday morning.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Sixers’ plan is for Harden to work out at the practice facility to get ready for games when the team returns home.
The Sixers start a five-game homestand Sunday against the Trail Blazers, with their fourth game of the season not until next Thursday against the Raptors.
Harden exercised a $35.6 million option for this season, with the expectation that he would be traded. He has reportedly wanted to go to the Clippers.
In August, Harden blasted 76ers president Daryl Morey, whom Harden worked with in Houston.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said during an event in China.
For the time being, however, it appears Harden will indeed remain with the 76ers.
The 10-time All-Star averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 58 regular-season games last year with Philadelphia, who was bounced in the second round of the playoffs.
Harden forced his way off the Rockets in 2021, getting traded to the Nets to form a Big 3 with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
A year later, Harden pushed for another trade and ended up with the 76ers, who dealt Ben Simmons to Brooklyn.
