James Harden’s days as point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers are behind him. However, the Los Angeles Clippers star still keeps in touch with some of his former teammates.
Harden recently participated in a run with the current Sixers and completed an offseason workout ahead of his first full season with the Clippers.
Next year will be Harden’s 16th in the league. With all his experience, the veteran could still serve as a valuable mentor to the players of his former team.
Not surprisingly, Tyrese Maxey has been around Harden recently. While the two developed excellent chemistry in the Sixers’ backcourt for a season and a half, Maxey has always cited Harden as an important mentor as he grows into a first-time All-Star in 2024.
In addition to Maxey, Ricky Council, David Jones and Justin Edwards were also present at the session. Although these three did not have the opportunity to play with Harden during his tenure with the Sixers, they took advantage of the opportunity to share the court with the 10-time All-Star this summer.
Harden did not leave Philadelphia on good terms. After joining the Sixers in 2022 via a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, Harden planned to take a discount for his second season with the team. As a free agent, Harden signed a two-year contract. The guard hoped to decline the option for a second year and sign a long-term, max-level deal.
The Sixers never had the opportunity to offer Harden the contract he wanted. Instead, Harden exercised his player option and requested a trade. Harden remained on the Sixers roster through training camp before the 2023-2024 NBA season. Although he played in the first two games of the regular season, he was traded to the Clippers on the last day of October.
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Now Harden is aiming for his first NBA title with his fifth team. The Sixers, meanwhile, are hoping for another big boost from Maxey and some new players, as they too are dreaming of the title.
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