Report: Joel Embiid’s given Sixers ‘assurances’ he’ll ride out James Harden drama
It’s no secret the drama between Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden and the organization has percolated after Sixers brass failed to give Harden a long-term extension. Though reigning MVP and Sixers superstar Joel Embiid is reportedly content with the two sides feuding and willing to let the situation play itself out, according to ESPN NBA insider Ramona Shelburne.
“Embiid has given the franchise assurances he is OK riding out the current drama with Harden, sources said,” Shelburne reported Wednesday. “How long he gives them to resolve the matter remains to be seen. [Tyrese] Maxey has done the same, even waiting on a contract extension this summer so the franchise can preserve its ability to operate under the salary cap and improve the team in the future.
“Both have been in touch with Harden throughout, maintaining their personal relationships. Embiid even invited Harden to his wedding in July, sources said.“
Harden requested a trade after opting into his $35.6 million player option ahead of the option deadline in late June, reportedly putting the Los Angeles Clippers as his top (and really only) preferred landing spot.
After trade talks fell through, things got ugly. Harden, 34, is entering the final year of a two-year deal he signed ahead of last offseason, thus leaving him ineligible for a contract extension regardless if he got traded or not.
He also can’t hold out for more than 30 days if he wants to head elsewhere without the Sixers’ consent this offseason. So he’s essentially sandwiched in a no-win situation that could become uglier as training camp approaches.
Embiid, however, is entering the first year of a four-year, $213.3 million max extension he signed ahead of the 2021-22 season. He hasn’t shown 100 percent interest in wanting to get traded, but did dip his toes into the cryptic comment tub earlier this offseason when he said that he wanted to win a championship in Philadelphia “whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else.”
From Embiid’s perspective, he likely wants to stay out of any drama that doesn’t directly involve him–especially with the 2023-24 NBA regular season beginning roughly in a month-and-a-half and training camp opening up less than a month.
This isn’t the first (dramatic) rodeo that Embiid’s been an innocent bystander to–ahem, Ben Simmons. The NBA is a fraternity, however, so you never know when (super)stars grow the urge to team up with others across the league. Time isn’t on Philadelphia’s side, regardless of how Embiid, Harden or Morey feel now.
Let’s just hope for basketball’s sake that this gets resolved soon in one way or the other.
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