Former 76ers head coach and current ESPN, ABC game analyst, Doc Rivers, has offered his insights on the ongoing James Harden situation.
Harden’s journey with the Sixers took an unexpected turn last season when he inked a two-year deal, making financial sacrifices to bolster the team’s cap space.
The second year was a player option, with the expectation of a long-term contract offer at the contract’s conclusion.
However, the anticipated contract extension never materialized, leading to a stark turn of events. Harden opted into his contract for the 2023-24 season while simultaneously requesting a trade to the Clippers.
The superstar expressed his anger with the allegedly unkept promise by Sixers general manager Daryl Morey by publicly calling him ‘a liar’ and incurring a $100,000 fine from the NBA for that.
Rivers commented on the situation, acknowledging the warning signs when Harden opted in, as it signaled underlying discontent.
He noted the contrasting priorities between Harden’s personal goals and the Sixers’ long-term plans, making the resolution of this complex situation uncertain without a potential trade.
“I don’t know if I saw it coming because I did think that they would all figure it out,” Rivers said. “Once you saw James opt-in, you knew there was trouble in paradise. You just knew that. I believe he believed that he was gonna get taken care of at some point. He didn’t. Then he’s upset by it.
“The Sixers on the other hand, are thinking more team-wise and future-wise and what they want to do. It’s a tough situation. I would be surprised if it was resolved unless there is a trade.”
