Harden or forced to operate due to collective bargaining! Social media spoke out firmly: It's time to step out of your comfort zone
On July 21, Beijing time, 76ers star James Harden updated his IG and posted a sentence: "After being comfortable for so long, it's time to jump out of your comfort zone." The US media interpreted this remark and believed that it showed that Harden was resolute in leaving the team. It has also been reported earlier that Harden's camp firmly believes that it is only a matter of time before it can eventually join the Clippers. Harden also removed profiles of 76ers players on social media.
Harden's relationship with the 76ers hierarchy has deteriorated, and he is determined to leave. The 76ers still want to maximize Harden's trade value and are reluctant to trade him easily. There are reports that if he has not been traded by September-October, Harden will attend the 76ers training camp and will not refuse to report.
ESPN Zach Lowe interpreted Harden's decision, pointing out that Harden's "forced business" should be related to collective bargaining. The collective agreement stipulates that a player in the final year of his contract who does not perform his player obligations for the team for more than 30 days can be considered a breach. He will be banned from entering the free agent market or signing with any other professional basketball team unless the player is finally played for by the team that expressly agrees.
League sources confirmed that the rule allows existing teams to block any player deemed to be in violation of the free agent market and sign with other teams, including professional teams outside the NBA. With the player option executing, Harden has only one year left on his contract, and he fits that clause.
While Harden doesn't want to violate the rules, that's not good news for the 76ers either. American media believe that when Harden is in a bad mood, he will become a distraction in the locker room, and his team will suffer, as the Rockets and Nets have felt before. Now, Harden first deleted the 76ers player profile and then spoke out of his comfort zone, and there are signs that he is determined to leave the team. Previously, he also wrote in the photo: "Yesterday is tomorrow", which caused heated discussions among fans.
Can Harden join the Clippers as he wishes? Will this departure give him his first career title? Let's wait and see.