Dwight Howard pitches reunion with James Harden in Taiwan
The James Harden situation with the Philadelphia 76ers reached its apex Monday, with Harden calling general manager Daryl Morey a “liar” and vowing to never play in an organization headed by Morey ever again. Well, former Houston Rocket teammate Dwight Howard didn’t waste time and took the opportunity to make a sales pitch to the 10-time All-Star: A reunion in Taiwan.
“Aye James I’m about to buy a team,” Howard captioned in a video with him saying ‘James Harden, come on (down)’ on Instagram Tuesday. “You can be the franchise player and a partner, forget 84 you gone score 100. Come on you already in Asia just stay right there it’s a shorter flight to Taiwan.”
Howard, an 18-year NBA veteran who last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22, played three seasons alongside Harden with the Houston Rockets from 2013-16.
I don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news for Taiwanese basketball fans, but Harden isn’t going to go to join Howard, who won the T1 League MVP for the 2022-23 season, overseas anytime soon. Though, if you have connections to someone who’s unhappy with their respective situation, it’s worthwhile to ask! The worst he can say is no.
Harden was ineligible to sign an extension with Philadelphia this offseason, and clearly, there was a pre-agreed upon deal with Harden and Morey about 1.) opting out of his $35.6 million player option and signing a four-year extension (likely worth north of $200 million) or 2.) Completing a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers if Harden didn’t opt out, which he didn’t.
Neither of these scenarios happened with Morey ending trade talks over the weekend, which ultimately leads us to why we’re here watching Dwight Howard doing his due diligence with a sales pitch. I respect the effort.
Perhaps Harden does when goes overseas when he’s in his mid-40s? Doubtful, but a thought!
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