It’s the latest development in a messy offseason situation for the Sixers.
The league office, according to ESPN’s report, “is believed to be pursuing an understanding of whether Harden was portending a 2023-24 holdout in violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement — or had been referencing past contract discussions with the organization that might constitute salary cap circumvention, sources said.”
If those comments were a reaction to the Sixers recently ending their active trade discussions — as Harden has privately indicated, according to ESPN — and not about a promise about any future contract, they would not be a violation of NBA rules for the player or team.Still, it’s the latest development in a messy offseason situation for the Sixers, who are trying to remain a contender anchored by reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid.
“I’ve been patient all summer,” Harden added. “For me, it’s just focus on what I can control and get ready for the season.” Last season, the NBA stripped the Sixers of two future second-round draft picks for having premature free-agency discussions with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House, two former Harden teammates with the Houston Rockets.
Harden then led the NBA in assists during the 2022-23 regular season, but performed inconsistently during the playoffs. The Sixers were unwilling to hamper their short- or long-term future by signing Harden, who will turn 34 this month, to a lengthy max contract.
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