The James Harden chaos hasn’t changed Joel Embiid‘s mind about wanting to play in Philadelphia, but he sent a message to Sixers management by removing references to the team on his Twitter account, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said in an appearance on “Get Up” (video link).
Earlier this week, Embiid took the word “Processing” off his account as well as his location of Philadelphia. Windhorst states that the reigning MVP remains happy with the Sixers and is still hoping to win a title with them, but he also wants to make sure that he’s playing with a championship-level roster. They’re unlikely to compete for a title without Harden or a similarly talented replacement, and Windhorst states that Embiid is “sending messages without using words” through his actions on social media.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN offered a similar take during a radio interview this week with 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia (Twitter link). “He is happy to be a Sixer,” Shelburne said. “I don’t think this is a precursor to something. I think this is Joel Troel.”
There’s more from Philadelphia:
- The Harden standoff could be the first application of new language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was inspired by a similar situation with Ben Simmons two years ago, writes Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. A new CBA clause states that any player who “publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another team shall be subject to a fine (up to $150,000) and/or a suspension.” Although the fine wouldn’t be significant considering Harden’s salary, a suspension could cost him $248,000-$389,000 per day, depending on the circumstances. Pincus also examines four ways that Harden’s battle with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey could play out.
- The Harden situation is the latest drama for a franchise that has experienced plenty of it over the past decade, notes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Along with the Simmons saga, Pompey cites examples such as Bryan Colangelo’s resignation as president of basketball operations in 2018 after being linked to Twitter “burner accounts” and uncomfortable trade situations involving lottery picks Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor.
- In addition to criticizing Morey during his appearance in China, Harden talked about possibly playing there someday, Pompey adds in a separate story. “Every time I come here, the love is just like … it’s crazy, you know what I mean?” he said. “So I feel like they deserve to actually see me come play here. … Love is always crazy here.” Harden’s remarks were crowd-pleasing, but it would be unprecedented for a star of his stature to leave the NBA for the Chinese Basketball Association.
Harden knows he’s going to fall off a cliff in production and is gonna have to go play in China if he wants to play close to or into his 40’s
Harden, Embiid, and Morey are all complete clowns. Can’t wait till they’re all out of the league.
Do you even like basketball? I enjoy watching the top players even the ones fans and media criticize. They do have leagues without guys like this that you could tune into
But do it. One of the worst takes I have ever seen. You must be truly miserable.
Is a team in China going to pay Harden what he wants rather than what he actually deserves as a player??
I dunno, did you deserve your 20 cent raise at McDonald’s? Clearly you can’t gauge talent.
He has talent but it is going to fall off quickly. Plus if I did work at McDonald’s I’d get more than a 20 cent raise cause I’d be your boss there.
You do work at McDonald’s. You’re such a terrible employee you burned someone’s McFlurry
Yeah, I had a new kid do that on purpose cause I heard it was you that ordered it. To go back to topic tho I do think harden is an absolute superstar, but a cancer at the same time by switching teams so much in the last few seasons. I loved him for valuing himself and knowing his worth and making okc look so dumb for trading him instead of paying him max, but the forcing trades for the 3rd time since then while he’s been a max player has become really old.
.20 cents sounds great. Many many years ago I worked at claimjumper and got sat down by the gm and assistant gm. They said I’m doing such a good job they’re going to give me a .5 raise! I had to act like I hit the lottery and be very grateful. Funny that certain location in Las Vegas is now a fast food joint go figure.
Also no need to hate on anyone who works. A McDonald’s job is still better than a lot of people can say in this world
That may matter less to him then than being able to feel like a superstar again, which he can’t back in the states now that he’s on the decline. Plus, it would probably be more about shoe sales at that point.
Agreed with the article
76ers need to trade Harden for the same level of player.
Morey needs to make sure that Harden wants to play for another team not name Clippers
Lillard also needs to play for a team who would offer a young current all-star to Blazers
It’s irrelevant who harden wants to play for. Morey is obligated to make deal in best interests of sixers not malcontent harden. Harden hurts himself by not showing up, showing up out of shape, showing up disruption.
21 11 players just grow on trees now a days. So who can match hardens production and is available ? Harden > dame so no that’s not the answer. Bueller? Bueller?
How many 21 11 players have forced their way off of 3 teams in 3 years and have a track record of folding in the playoffs?
Harden talking about playing in China is just more smokescreen to throw off the Sixers. Making it seem like that’s an option if he holds out for more than a month and gets smacked the refusal of services provision.
Philly should just stretch and waive him and cut their losses.
Bad idea. They have no hope of competing for a title this year if they don’t get *something* for Harden.
Embiid might accept a mediocre return for his best costar, but no return plus a salary cap hit? He’d be gone before you could say cheesesteak.
They have no hope of competing for a title with James Harden.
I think it’s hilarious that Philly keeps finding ways for their players to hate them. Next year Embiid will ask to be traded and then its 3 players in 3 years.
Maybe the Sixers should find a competent GM.
If you are Maxey, dont you want out by now? I would.
Foolish and uneducated comment about sixers organization. Harden and Simmons both completely different cases. Research then comment.
Two top 20 players can’t lead a team to a championship? Besides Boston who really has a monster team at this point? Embiid is the top center in basketball and harden is the best creator for his teammates. Probably no chance to make Harden happy and smooth this over, but in a different reality Harden and Embiid could definitely compete for a title
Am I the only one that didn’t take his comment as saying he’s looking to play in China anytime soon?
That’s down the line after he’s exhausted all of his NBA “eligibility”.
At that point, he could still get $5mil for a season in China, which is like $10mil here, and the competition for him would be comparable to intramural ball – an easy 30+ppg. And, he be treated like… well, you saw his comments on that.
He, and many others will wind it down there.
Might as well!
Harden sees Messi here in America and wants to be treated like him in china
Harden should call the 76ers bluff. We know that the Chinese teams won’t offer the type of money Harden wants but perhaps a Saudi team? With his popularity overseas the league might step in and force Philly’s hand. I’d imagine the league’s cut of his merch sales is pretty significant.
If they didn’t well Abu Dhabi and Dubai are right there so he could still have amazing chicken wings and party at world class night clubs. The only thing missing would be the chance to play for a NBA championship.
Lol what bluff? Harden is handcuffed by cba. Barred from playing in any league. Still has contract with philly. Lol nonsensical comment.
Is it any league? Got a source? All I heard was 30 days away during the season and he’s Phillys property if he ever comes back and needs their okay to sign with a different team
After doing some research there may be some complications. The Saudi Basketball League and NBA are affiliated with FIBA. Since Harden is under contract in the NBA he may not be able to play in any other FIBA affiliated leagues. FIBA does make an exception in light of a league lockout but players that take that route have to come back to the league in which they are signed and play out their contracts after that league resumes play.
However I don’t FIBA regulations would stop a Saudi based team from buying out Harden’s contract. The precedent has been set in soccer with FIFA and Kylian Mbappé.
But couldn’t they only buy his contract out if the 76ers agreed to this? Him holding out they could be just as shifty and simply have no intention to let him go. Doesn’t do good for their team by any means just an idea
Depends on how bad they wanted him, money talks.
Maybe he just realized “processing” sounded dumbaf lol. Go win smth then you can goof on social media all you want. Otherwise go film some mountain doo commercials w Zion
The league of massively wealthy immature children.
And the mature adults who desperately follow their every move lol
I don’t see Embiid leaving
1st year of a super max, says he is happy, mvp and doesn’t have a no trade I would agree with you.
The Latest ?????
Sixers aren’t going anywhere with or without Harden. So how is there “the latest”
More like the lamest ……..
Says the fan of the poorest run franchise in the NBA. The franchise that’s has wallowed in mediocrity since Ewing. Lol a 500 team decades away from contender. Hell semi so called stars say nooooooo to the rotten apple.
You can’t reason with him….don’t feed the trolls
1982?
As a Sixers fan I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of trading Joel.
He’s he’s phenomenally talented and wants to stay but depending on the James situation he may want out if we can’t build a championship level roster. He’s done right by him and we should do right by him. Plus imagine the potential return we could get….
Pelicans want Zion, Embiid and CJ.. sure
Ingram, Daniel’s, Herb and 3 firsts then deal
Mimi want to reunite Embiid and Jimmy, again sure but it’ll cost you.
Embiid and Harris for Lowry, Herro, Bam and 2 firsts
The Sixers are just waiting for someone else in the league to be disgruntled and want out. It is not an IF but a when.
Maybe it’s LaVine or DeRozan? Two that come to mind that the Sixers actually could get with their assets.
They need another player that can take over a game in close out. Get on Embiid all you want. Shaq had Kobe. Duncan had Manu, Parker, and Kawhi. LeBron had Kyrie, Wade, and AD. All of those Robins were in their prime and better than anyone the Sixers have paired with Embiid. That’s a fact. Jimmy was the closest they’ve had. Harden is 34, no where near prime.
Joker has Murray. Giannis has Middleton and Jrue. Like the teams that have won had better top end players than the Sixers. And idk that they can acquire that type of player via trade, has to be on the open market next year if it happens.