NBA star James Harden not too long ago made information by calling out Sixer group president Daryl Morey after stories that he wouldn’t commerce Harden. “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I’ll by no means be part of a corporation that he’s part of,” he mentioned. Harden made these feedback whereas in China, the place he’s extremely well-liked, and even later said that he wish to play a season there.
He’s below contract for one more season, however in the summertime of 2024, he will probably be an unrestricted free agent and can be capable of play wherever he desires. That might be with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, and even with a group within the Chinese language Basketball Affiliation (CBA). However would a former league MVP truly depart the NBA to spend a season enjoying within the CBA, or is he posturing?
May James Harden depart the NBA for the CBA?
At age 33, it’s apparent that Harden is nearing the top of his profession. How lengthy that profession lasts is as much as him, since Harden hasn’t been identified to handle his physique in addition to he may. Whereas fellow MVPs like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry are all nonetheless enjoying at a excessive stage of their mid-30s, Harden has undoubtedly taken a step again.
That drop-off has harm his leverage since Morey knew that he was unlikely to get a max contract in free company, which pressured him to choose into the ultimate yr of his contract. Then, after he and the group agreed to work collectively to discover a commerce, solely the Clippers registered curiosity, however not sufficient to satisfy the Sixers’ calls for.
Now Harden is caught in Philadelphia in the interim and compelled to attend whereas the scenario performs itself out. Presumably, he received’t play for the Sixers subsequent season and will probably be with one other NBA group, however the concept of him becoming a member of the CBA isn’t precisely farfetched.
Whereas there could also be a stigma round NBA gamers enjoying in China, since it’s seen as an indication that they’re not ok to be within the league, it wouldn’t essentially be the identical for Harden. He may play one other three seasons within the NBA, then retire earlier than becoming a member of the CBA and spending the ultimate season or two of his profession enjoying in China.
In the end, whereas Harden is unlikely to play in China subsequent season, there’s a risk that he may sooner or later sooner or later. Contemplating how well-liked he’s already, doing so might be an amazing profession transfer for him.
Printed on 08/19/2023 at 3:00 PM EDTLast up to date on 08/19/2023 at 3:00 PM EDT
