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When James Harden was barred from joining the Philadelphia 76ers’ flight to Milwaukee last week, it heightened tensions on both ends, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

One insider characterized the incident as the “final straw,” signaling the unlikelihood of the Sixers reintegrating Harden into the team. Subsequent talks between the Sixers and Clippers resumed, focusing on a trade arrangement before Harden could make a return to the Philadelphia lineup.

Although Harden returned to practice on October 25th, sources reveal that the Sixers were uncertain about the implications. They were unclear whether he intended to exert pressure on the team or if he was genuinely gearing up to play.