So much for one of the summer’s potential blockbusters.
The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly won’t trade James Harden ahead of the 2023-24 season despite rumors that he asked for a change in scenery, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The NBA insider reported Saturday that the 76ers “have ended trade talks” on Harden and intend to bring him in for the start of training camp ahead of the 2023-24 season.
“The Sixers had periodic offseason conversations with the [Los Angeles] Clippers—Harden’s desired destination—but no traction on a deal materialized,” Wojnarowski wrote.
The surprising decision comes after Harden opted into his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season to help facilitate a trade.
Harden, 33, appeared in 58 games for the Sixers last season, averaging 21.0 points, a league-leading 10.7 assists and 6.1…