James Harden was prevented from getting on a Philadelphia 76ers flight by security this week, adding another sour point to the ongoing saga.
Harden, who publicly called team president Daryl Morey “a liar” during the offseason, wants to be traded to the Clippers. And it was a surprise when he showed up at the Sixers’ practice facility on Wednesday, having been away from the team for 10 days to tend to a personal matter.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the point guard was then informed that it would be best if he remained in Philly to get his fitness levels back up instead of traveling for the team’s two-game road trip ahead of their season opener vs. the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
In Harden’s mind, this was only a suggestion. Plus he knew his main workout trainer, assistant coach Rico Hines, would be traveling too. After taking part in practice, he arrived at the airport to get on the team flight to Milwaukee but was stopped by a security official and told he was not allowed to travel with the team.
General manager Elton Brand and head coach Nick Nurse then explained to the player that they would prefer it if he sticks with their workout plan, which requires him to remain at the practice facility while they’re away.
They also told him that they are keen on monitoring his measurables and speed with a tracking system at the facility.
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Harden will be in the company of two-way players and a trainer in Philadelphia. But he was not happy about the situation and is said to have left the airport frustrated.
