4 76ers Playing Their Last Season in Philadelphia This Year
After another long offseason, Philadelphia 76ers basketball is finally back this week. The Sixers kick off their 2023-24 NBA season with a massive matchup on Thursday against Giannis Antetokoumpo and Damian Lillard's Milwaukee Bucks.
The 76ers' roster isn't all that different from the 2022-23 squad barring a handful of role players. But don't count on the entire group sticking around. Certain players have already proven that they deserve to be a part of Philly's long-term goals while others are likely playing on borrowed time.
With that being said, let's have a look at four 76ers who likely won't be in the City of Brotherly Love beyond the 2023-24 NBA season.
4 76ers Playing Final Season in Philadelphia
1. James Harden
If you've been following the NBA at all this season, you know that James Harden's days in Philadelphia are virtually over.
The three-time NBA scoring champion has made it clear that he isn't willing to play for the 76ers anymore (specifically general manager Daryl Morey). He's since missed multiple practices leading up to the regular season and even missed the preseason finale due to a "personal matter."
“It is unclear when and if James Harden plans to return to Philadelphia. The [Sixers] have taken his word that he’s away at a personal matter."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 23, 2023
Woj on Harden’s excused absence.
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/syrhvRS4Tu
Whether you're on Harden's or the 76ers' side, it doesn't matter: the 34-year-old is essentially done with the franchise. There's no way anyone can expect him to spend the next 82 games inside the Philadelphia locker room after everything he said and all the stunts he pulled this summer.
Could Morey have traded him already? Probably, but the return wouldn't have been that great. The fact that he's openly had his heart set on joining the LA Clippers has, more or less, lowered his trade value. However, you have to respect Morey for not giving in to the superstar guard's insane demands after Harden opted into his player option this offseason.
Whether it happens tomorrow or in two months, it seems like we're counting down the days until a Harden trade. Even if a trade can't be completed and he spends the season in Philly (which is a long shot), he'll more than likely depart as a free agent next summer.