If James Harden has his way, he'll be playing for a team other than the 76ers during the 2023-24 NBA season.
As free agency opened, reports of Harden requesting a trade from Philadelphia began to surface. On July 18, Daryl Morey, the franchise's president of basketball operations, confirmed the reports during a radio appearance, adding that the 76ers will try to honor the request.
A trade from the Sixers would end Harden's tenure in Philadelphia less than two years after he was acquired from Brooklyn at the 2022 trade deadline, a short-lived tenure in the City of Brotherly Love for the 10-time All-Star.
In the event that a trade happens, Harden will suit up for his fourth team in four seasons. Look back at his history of trades involving Harden and how they came to be.
MORE: Top landing spots for James Harden
How many teams has James Harden played for?
Unless he is traded back to a team for which he has already played, Harden is set to suit up for the fifth team in his NBA career and the fourth since the beginning of the 2020-21 season.
| Team | Seasons |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2009-12 |
| Houston Rockets | 2012-21 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 2021-22 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 2022-23 |
After being dealt to the Rockets in the 2012 offseason, Harden has been a part of two in-season trades. Given the timing of his most recent request, Harden could be a part of an offseason trade for the first time in 11 years.
James Harden's timeline of trades, trade requests
Oct. 27, 2012 — After Harden and the Thunder were unable to work out a contract extension, he was traded to the Rockets.
Rockets acquire:
- James Harden
- Cole Aldrich
- Daequan Cook
- Lazar Hayward
Thunder acquire:
- Jeremy Lamb
- Kevin Martin
- 2013 first-round pick (used to select Steven Adams)
- 2013 second-round pick (used to select Alex Abrines)
- 2014 first-round pick (used to select Mitch McGary)
Later in the week, Harden would sign a five-year contract extension with the Rockets worth $80 million.
Nov. 11, 2020 — ESPN reported that Harden and Russell Westbrook are "concerned" about the direction of the Rockets.
Because of the COVID-19 impacted 2019-20 season, this news came weeks before the Rockets were expected to report to training camp for the 2020-21 season, which began in late December.
Nov. 16, 2020 — Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle reported that Harden "wants to move on from the Rockets" and "is trying to force his way to (Kevin) Durant's Nets via trade."
Dec. 7, 2020 — Harden missed individual workouts in Houston and did not show up for the beginning of Rockets training camp. He was pictured partying in Las Vegas.
Jan. 13, 2021 — After opening the season with the Rockets and playing in eight games, Harden was traded to the Nets in a four-team deal involving a multitude of players and picks.
Nets acquire:
- James Harden
Rockets acquire:
- Dante Exum
- Rodions Kurucs
- Victor Oladipo
- 2022 first-round pick (used to select Tari Eason)
- 2023 first-round pick swap (was not conveyed)
- Four additional first-round picks/swaps (2024, 2025, 2026, 2027)
Cavaliers acquire:
- Jarrett Allen
- Taurean Prince
Pacers acquire:
- Caris LeVert
- 2022 first-round pick (used to select MarJon Beauchamp)
- 2023 second-round pick (used to select Jalen Pickett)
Feb. 10, 2022 — The morning of the trade deadline, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden "wants trade to Philadelphia 76ers" but "won't formally request deal due to concern over public backlash."
Hours later, the Nets and 76ers agreed to a trade sending Harden to Philadelphia in a deal centered around Philadelphia's Ben Simmons.
76ers acquire:
- James Harden
- Paul Millsap
Nets acquire:
- Seth Curry
- Andre Drummond
- Ben Simmons
- 2023 first-round pick (used to select Brice Sensabaugh, later traded to Jazz)
- 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protected)
June 29, 2023 — Wojnarowski reported that Harden had opted into the final year of his contract with the 76ers so that he and the franchise can work together on finding a trade.
Reports indicate that he is eying the Clippers as a destination, but the news confirms that a trade request has been made.
July 18, 2023 — 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey confirms that Harden has made a trade request, adding that the team will work to find the best deal for both parties.
