James Harden Reflects on 76ers Fans Booing Him, Daryl Morey, Contract Talks and More

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden commented Wednesday on returning to Philadelphia for the first time since getting traded from the 76ers to the Clippers early this season.

Harden, who spent parts of two seasons with the Sixers, was booed loudly by fans at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night during the Clippers' 108-107 win, and he told reporters that it didn't take him by surprise: "I expected it. I really don't know what it's about, but I expected it. So it is what it is. I don't even know why they were booing. You can ask them. I don't know why they were booing."

The Sixers acquired Harden from the Brooklyn Nets during the 2021-22 season in hopes that he could get them over the hump. They were once again unable to get past the second round of the playoffs, but they re-signed him to a two-year deal with a player option for 2023-24 nonetheless.

Harden sacrificed the sacrificed the ability to potentially get more money elsewhere on a max contract by taking less to play for the 76ers and chase a title in 2022-23.

Philly once again fell in the second round of the playoffs, and while it was widely assumed that Harden would opt out and test free agency this past offseason, he exercised his player option instead.

Harden exercised the option with the understanding or expectation that the Sixers would trade him, but there was no movement on that front throughout the offseason and he was still part of the roster when the 2023-24 season began.

Back in August, Harden called 76ers president Daryl Morey a "liar" during an Adidas media event in China and said he would "never be a part of an organization that he's a part of."

Philly eventually sent Harden to his preferred destination in L.A., receiving a first-round pick, two second-round picks, a pick swap and multiple middling players in return.

Although things ended up working out well for Harden, he made it clear that he has no plans to bury the hatchet with Morey, telling reporters, ""No. Hell no," when asked if they could potentially get past their issues with each other.

Aside from his beef with Morey, Harden doesn't seem to be harboring any ill will toward the Sixers or the city of Philadelphia.

Harden suggested to reporters that he made an unselfish decision to try to bring a championship to Philly, and after the two sides were unable to reach a long-term agreement, he decided to explore other options:

"For me, personally, I feel like I did everything that I needed to do in the sense of the year prior, taking myself off the max [contract] to help the team get better, for this city. You know what I mean? For myself, obviously, to win a championship. Things didn't work out. I wanted to get paid. They weren't talking. So it is what it is. Then you move on. Everybody's happy. Life is good."

The 34-year-old Harden has been an important and productive player for the Clips this season, averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game.

At 45-27, the Clippers are currently fourth in the Western Conference and look the part of a potential championship contender.

The Clippers are in win-now mode with a veteran core comprised of Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, so the organization was able to offer Harden a situation in which he can chase a ring, which is the one major accomplishment missing from his résumé.

Harden seems ready to move on from what happened in Philadelphia, and unless both the Clippers and 76ers reach the NBA Finals, he won't have to deal with the Sixers for the rest of the season.