Over the past few years, James Harden, now 33 years old, has seen his offensive talents deteriorate. He isn’t the box office superstar anymore he once was. But nevertheless, he finds himself unhappy with the Philadelphia 76ers, exactly like he was with the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets. Having submitted a trade request out of Philly, the Beard has been disgruntled all summer, looking to move to a better fit, like the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden’s most recent outburst against Sixers president Daryl Morey has grabbed a lot of public attention, which has prompted his former OKC Thunder teammate Kendrick Perkins to warn him on ESPN’s NBA Today, that the league doesn’t really need him.
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Harden made headlines recently when he called out Daryl Morey. In the midst of his China Tour, the 2018 MVP called the Philly GM a liar, even going so far as to state he would never play for a team Morey is part of. It was an emphatic and controversial statement, that has received mixed reactions, sparking debates across the NBA.
Kendrick Perkins warns his former teammate James Harden about the consequences of his actions
A few days ago, James Harden rocked the NBA world with his comments on Daryl Morey. However, not everyone agrees with what he has to say. In particular, his former OKC teammate and ESPN analyst, Kendrick Perkins believes that Harden has made a big mistake. Especially, considering his fading popularity and his age.
Currently 33, James Harden is entering the twilight years of his career. That, coupled with the fact that he hasn’t been the most popular player in recent years isn’t a good sign for the Sixers star. In fact, Perkins suggested that the NBA wouldn’t mind letting Harden go, especially considering it has been a few years since he has been a box office draw.
And, unfortunately for the Beard, this seems to be true. Despite submitting a trade request, not a single team apart from the Clippers has tabled an offer for him. Proving, just how much his value has depreciated over the years. Perkins had a lot to say on NBA Today:
“James Harden is trippin’ right now. He’s trippin’.”
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) August 16, 2023
Kendrick Perkins: “James Harden has everything to lose and if he’s not careful, he could possibly be out of the league after next year because here’s the thing: You can’t trust him… The NBA don’t need him… They move on from old superstars.“
Sixers; Daryl Morey; Philly; 76ers pic.twitter.com/5ryi6V2hCj
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) August 16, 2023
The lack of interest in Harden has seen the former three-time scoring champion enter a state of uncertainty. Having opted into his Player Option, Harden will, at the very least, get a chance to stay in Philadelphia this season. But after that, who knows what is in store for him?
Harden will lose close to $389,000 for every game he sits out this season
As things stand, James Harden may opt to sit out the entire 2023-2024 season. However, this decision could prove costly for the Beard, especially after his recent rant. According to the Associated Press, the Philadelphia 76ers could fine Harden for the games he misses, similar to how they fined Ben Simmons $19,000,000 back in the 2021-2022 season.
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The Sixers could fine Harden $389,000 for every game he misses, which would tally up to be a fortune even after a handful of games. One thing is for certain, Harden has a lot to think about before the season kicks off. Hopefully, he comes to a decision that is beneficial for his career.