There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and James Harden requesting a trade after coming up short in the playoffs.
For the past few months, Harden has made it known that he doesn’t want to stay in Philadelphia. He even called Sixers president Daryl Morey a liar during a public event.
While it’s certainly possible the Sixers trade Harden and move on from this nonsense, former NBA swingman Matt Barnes believes there’s a scenario in play where the entire league just stops catering to Harden’s demands.
“I think James has to be careful because the NBA doesn’t need him. The NBA doesn’t need him anymore,” Barnes said. “I’m all for player empowerment. But he forced his way out of Houston, forced his way out of Brooklyn. Now, he’s going to force his way out of Philly. He’s got so much talent and a lot of game left, but he could talk himself out of the league, which is crazy to think.”
Kevin Garnett agreed with Barnes’ take on Harden’s situation.
“When you wiggle your way out, you only got one or two wiggles,” Garnett said. “You ain’t got infinite wiggles.”
Matt Barnes: “I think James [Harden] has to be careful because the NBA doesn’t need him.”
Kevin Garnett: “When you wiggle your way out, you only got one or two wiggles. You ain’t got infinite wiggles.” 👀
(via @shobasketball)pic.twitter.com/Nxdo6Jy5XG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 29, 2023
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According to ESPN, the Clippers and Knicks are Harden’s preferred destinations.
As of now, Harden is set to make $35.6 million next season.