Daryl Morey Asking Too Much for Harden

Sixers president Daryl Morey is apparently asking for the world in the James Harden trade talks. Apparently, Morey is turning off many teams. It’s been over two weeks since Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden requested a trade after opting into his $35.6 million player option. James Harden has made it abundantly clear he wants out of Philly. There has been little progression in any deal getting done. The problem is Daryl Morey is asking too much for James Harden.

It Is Just Too Much

On ESPN yesterday, Adrian Wojnarowski talked about the Harden situation. Woj explained how Daryl Morey’s “exorbitant” asking price has turned off a lot of teams.

[Daryl Morey’s] asking price is exorbitant. Teams are not engaging the Sixers with the kind of asks that [Daryl’s] asking for James Harden… Right now, the Harden talks, like [Damian] Lillard, are going to linger into the summer.
Adrian Wojnarowski on ESPN

"[Daryl Morey's] asking price is exorbitant. Teams are not engaging the Sixers with the kind of asks that [Daryl's] asking for James Harden… Right now, the Harden talks, like [Damian] Lillard, are going to linger into the summer."

— @wojespn pic.twitter.com/Md76OfqkqR
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 14, 2023

Can Philly Convince Harden to Stay?

Woj noted that Morey usually starts high with his asking price. With time, tends to lower it, similar to what happened with Ben Simmons. Philly is hopeful they convince Harden to stay and commit to playing alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey again in 2023-24. He was hanging out with his teammates and owner Josh Harris recently. This could send mixed signals about his intentions.

The Los Angeles Clippers are seen as the most likely landing spot for the 10-time All-Star, and reports indicate that’s where James Harden wants to play next. Harden is from LA, so this would be a natural choice. If Harden remains with the Sixers, they get a legitimate chance for him and Embiid to build on what they lost this postseason.

Al Zaffiri

Al is one of the two co-creators of Edge of Philly Sports. Al started radio and podcasting in 2012 and covering sports in 2015. A lifelong Philly sports fan since watching the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers with his grandfathers at age 7. Al always looks at the other side of the hot topics and gives his different outlook on those topics. Web and Graphic Design.