Sources – James Harden still absent; status for 76ers’ opener unclear

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden, who missed the final preseason game Friday after skipping several practices, remains away from the team as it prepares for Monday’s practice, sources said to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

It’s becoming less clear whether Harden will be available to play Thursday in the Sixers’ regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN.

Harden, who has been seeking a trade since picking up his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season, did not show up for practice on Wednesday or Thursday before being ruled out of the season finale. Friday night’s preseason against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Sixers said Friday that Harden was away from the team for a personal matter.

Harden has been frustrated for months because his wish to be traded to the LA Clippers has yet to be granted. He arrived late to training camp and continued to practice with the 76ers before missing practice last week.

Harden, who has been tied with 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey since the latter brought him to the Houston Rockets in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder before the 2012 season -13, called Morey a “liar” at a shoe event in China in August.

Harden said on Oct. 13 that there was no chance that relationship would be repaired, and he repeatedly called Morey “the front office” without saying his name.

“No,” Harden said flatly, when asked directly if he thought things could work out with Morey. “It’s not even about this situation, it’s life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage… you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean say? It’s quite simple.”

Harden has been one of the best players in the league over the past decade, winning three scoring titles and the 2018 league MVP award. He led the league in assists last season.

Tim Bontemps of ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this report.