The James Harden-76ers saga continues to unravel.
Harden returned to practice with Philadelphia this week — temporarily putting all the off-court drama aside in hopes of joining his teammates to start the 2023-24 season — but the 76ers decided it would be best if Harden went through a "ramp-up" period before getting back on the floor.
Philadelphia is set to embark on a two-game road trip to start its season, facing off against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and the Bucks on Thursday before traveling to Toronto for a matchup against the Raptors on Saturday.
NBA OVERREACTIONS: What we've learned about Wemby, LeBron, CP3 & more
And even though the 76ers suggested it would be best if Harden did not travel with the team to Milwaukee, the 10-time All-Star reportedly tried to do so anyway.
Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported on Thursday that, after Harden participated in Wednesday's practice, he intended to join the team on its flight to Milwaukee. When he arrived at the airport to board the team flight, he was "stopped by a security official who notified him that he was not permitted to accompany the team," per Haynes' report.
General manager Elton Brand and head coach Nick Nurse relayed the message that the organization "prefers he accepts and follows their workout plan, which includes staying at the practice facility while the team is away."
Harden was "frustrated" with the decision, according to Haynes, but he left the airport shortly after the conversation.
It's safe to assume the 76ers are looking to avoid any potential distractions to start the season and eliminate any questions about Harden's return during the trip. Harden would have to be on the 76ers' bench if he accompanied the team, keeping the former MVP's drama top of mind during the nationally televised season opener.
While the latest report on the ongoing saga will surely do that anyway, it's clear that Harden is hoping to return to the court soon to prove to possible trade suitors that he is still the lethal playmaker who averaged 21.0 points and a league-leading 10.7 assists per game last season.
For the time being, he will have to wait until Sunday for his first chance to make his 2023-24 season debut, when Philadelphia returns from its road trip to host the Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center.
MORE: The Sporting News ranks the top 30 players in the NBA
76ers upcoming 2023-24 schedule
Following their two-game road trip to start the season, the 76ers will return for a five-game homestand in Philadelphia. That gives Harden five opportunities to retake the floor with his Sixers teammates if he is able to complete his "ramp-up" period.
You can find Philly's upcoming schedule below:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Oct. 26 | at Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Oct. 28 | at Raptors | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 29 | vs Trail Blazers | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 2 | vs Raptors | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Nov. 4 | vs Suns | 1 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 6 | vs Wizards | 7 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 8 | vs Celtics | 7 p.m. | — |
