76ers point guard James Harden skips practice amid ongoing trade negotiations, leaving head coach at a loss
- Coach Nick Nurse could not explain Harden’s absence on Wednesday, saying, ‘last time I talked him, he was going to … get ready to play’
- Club are negotiating trade deal with LA Clippers, who would like to snatch Harden ‘sooner or later’
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said he could not explain James Harden’s absence from practice on Wednesday, but was planning for the disgruntled guard to play in the last preseason game.
Harden has yet to play in the preseason, although he did attend training camp and continued to practise with the 76ers in the wake of his off season trade demand.
The point guard said last week his fractured relationship with team president Daryl Morey could not be repaired and said over the summer that he could not play for the 76ers.
“It’s not even about this situation. This is life,” Harden said. “When you lose trust in someone [Morey], it’s like a marriage. When you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.”
Part of Harden’s complaint stems from his belief he should have earned a long-term contract with the Sixers after last season. It never came, and he is likely to end up with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to various media reports.
Harden, who was evasive last week about the status of his trade demand, said he could try to play in the Sixers’ preseason finale on Friday against Atlanta. But he skipped practice, and the 76ers are unsure of what comes next.