James Harden’s issues in Philadelphia aren’t limited only to Daryl Morey.

The disgruntled Sixers point guard — whose rift with the team’s president of basketball operations has played out amid a summer standoff — had regular flare-ups with former head coach Doc Rivers and frustrated his locker room by choosing the nightlife over travelling with the team last season, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

The report mentioned one particular instance when Rivers, who was fired after the Sixers’ second round playoff ouster to Celtics, went off on Harden for taking the final three shots in regulation in a double-overtime loss to the Rockets in mid-December.
There is drama in Philadelphia. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
 

It came up in a postgame film session in which Harden explained he could not get the ball to superstar Joel Embiid, who was having a big night.

To which he said he couldn’t get the ball to Embiid, according to ESPN.

The disagreement fractured the relationship between star and coach and the two butted heads throughout the season.

In a separate situation reported by ESPN, Rivers called out Harden in a team meeting for travelling separately so he could stay for the nightlife following back-to-back losses to the Heat and Celtics.

The report mentioned that Harden had permission from the front office to travel separately.

The Sixers dismissed Rivers after a disastrous 112-88 loss at Boston in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in May.

It was widely reported afterwards that Harden no longer wanted to play for Rivers, but new issues arose over how much the 76ers were willing to pay Harden.

 
Doc Rivers, former head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP
 

As things grew tense behind-the-scenes in Philadelphia, the rift became apparent when Harden decided to pick up his $35.6 million player option before the June 30 deadline and ask for a trade.

According to the report, the 76ers were shocked over Harden’s decision that was brought on by Morey ignoring calls from the star’s representatives.

As for what played into it?

Morey reportedly was ignoring calls from Harden’s representatives.

“James felt like Daryl was ghosting him,” one source close to Harden told ESPN. “He felt betrayed.”

The Sixers reportedly emphasised to Harden and his representatives that they intended to re-sign him.

“James takes things very personally,” another source close to Harden told ESPN. “When he feels like he’s been wronged, he can be very stubborn.”

During a radio interview with 97.5 The Fanatic in July, Morey said “we’d all be thrilled” if Harden rescinded his trade request.

That came before the Sixers ended trade talks with the Clippers — one of Harden’s desired destinations.

However, Harden wasn’t on the same page.

The next month, he publicly blasted Morey, calling him a “liar” during a press event with Adidas in China.

“Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organisation that he’s a part of,” Harden said on the microphone.

Harden was fined $100,000 by the NBA because his public comments indicated “that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.”

The NBPA later stated it intended to file a grievance on Harden’s behalf.

As part of the NBA probe into his “liar” comment, Harden told league investigators he was referring to a promise Morey made him that the Sixers would trade him “quickly” following his decision to opt in on his contract in 2023-24, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

What is unclear is whether Harden will join the Sixers when training camp starts at the end of the month.

“The situation with James Harden is unfortunate,” Sixers majority owner Josh Harris told ESPN. “I want this to work out for all sides, including James.

“But we have to keep our eye on the big picture, which is that we’re still a contending team and most teams in the NBA would change places with us in five minutes.”

 
Joel Embiid and James Harden. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
 

Embiid has assured the Sixers that he has no problem waiting out the current drama with Harden, according to ESPN, and even invited the guard to his wedding in July.

Both Embiid and fellow guard Tyrese Maxey reportedly have been in touch with Harden throughout the off-season.

Sixers Media Day is scheduled for Oct. 2, which gives both sides plenty of time to find a solution.

Philadelphia begins its 2023-24 season on Oct. 26 when it visits the Milwaukee Bucks.

Whether Harden is wearing a Sixers uniform that night remains to be seen.

34-year-old famous basketball player James Harden shared the reasons for his decision to leave the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to the star athlete, he was deceived when he was promised a maximum contract, writes The Athletic.

“I wanted the organization to fulfill the promises regarding my contract, and I was ready to fight with my partners for the championship title. Team President Daryl Morey promised me a maximum contract, but the promises were not fulfilled.

In a way I understand him, he did what was best for the organization and I decided to do what was best for myself and move on. The NBA, first of all, is a business,” the basketball player said.

Let us remind you that he currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.