76ers' Tyrese Maxey on James Harden Trade Rumors: 'It's Not Our First Rodeo'

The James Harden situation with the Philadelphia 76ers is certainly uncomfortable, but Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey says that it is just a part of the business.

On his Maxey on the Mic podcast, the guard spoke about Harden's vocal dissatisfaction with the organization and his lack of desire to play for the team next season. He said that the situation isn't easy but is also something he and his teammates have dealt with before.

"It's crazy to say this, but it's not our first rodeo, honestly," Maxey said. "That's funny to say, but that's life. James is his own individual and he's able to do whatever he pleases. I'm preparing right now to play with him or without him. ... And I love James. If James decided he's going to come back and play for us, there's nobody in this organization that would be upset about that."

He elaborated by saying that he supports Harden as a friend but is preparing for next season the same way regardless of where Harden is playing.

"I will say this about the situation: To each his own," Maxey said. "James, he's a professional and he's doing something for a reason. You just have to kind of sit back and understand what he's doing as a friend, but then as a teammate and someone as a part of an organization I'm with right now, you have to prepare for whether James is going to be there or not going to be there. That's just the nature of it."

If Harden is not with the 76ers next season, Maxey will be heavily relied upon to pick up the slack. He averaged a career-high 20.3 points in 2022-23 and also put up 3.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds across 60 games.

Harden's future with the 76ers seems extremely bleak, given how clear he has been about his disdain for 76ers president Daryl Morey and his desire to play for his hometown Los Angeles Clippers next season. Contractually, he has no leverage as he opted-in to his contract in June.

The Sixers have been clear about wanting a strong return package for Harden but are losing leverage on the situation due to the fact that Harden may refuse to suit up for the team if not traded. In either case, Maxey will be taking a step forward in his development and aiming to help Philadelphia surpass the second round for the first time since 2001.