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[Saba Sports News] James Harden faced a chilly reception on Wednesday as his Los Angeles Clippers clashed with the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Sixers fans unleashed a barrage of boos during Harden’s first return to Philly since his trade earlier this season. Months before the 2023-24 season kicked off, Harden pushed for a trade away from the 76ers, sparking a prolonged standoff with Sixers president Daryl Morey that culminated in Harden being shipped to the Clippers.
This wasn’t the first time the Sixers fan base dealt with a holdout. Ben Simmons, initially traded for Harden, staged a similar maneuver two seasons ago, resulting in incessant booing from the Wells Fargo Center crowd upon his return. Harden might anticipate a similar reaction going forward.
During his tenure with the 76ers spanning two seasons, Harden played 79 games, averaging 21.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game, primarily functioning as a facilitator alongside MVP Joel Embiid. Notably, Harden topped the NBA in assists per game last season.
In a headline-grabbing move last offseason, Harden labeled Morey a “liar” for allegedly failing to uphold his promises. Now distanced from his time with the Sixers, Harden has conceded the truth about Morey’s purported deception.