James Harden Rumors: Skipping 76ers Practice is Only Start of 'What He Plans to Do'

As he continues his efforts to force his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden is reportedly just getting started..

The former NBA MVP had an unexcused absence from practice Wednesday, instead choosing to be in Houston for the past few days. And one source told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that it "is only the beginning of what he plans to do here."

Harden has had a history of making things ugly when forcing a trade.

The former MVP's absence comes shortly after reports surfaced from Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer that Harden would likely still be on the 76ers' roster for the team's season opener as Philadelphia and the Clippers are still far apart in negotiations.

Los Angeles is unwilling to include Terance Mann or additional draft capital in a package for Harden after its initial offer that included a first-round pick, a pick swap and expiring contracts, despite Philadelphia's wishes.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also reported that Los Angeles has offered more than any other team in the league for Harden, who just turned 36, and they aren't willing to give up much else.

It was reported towards the beginning of training camp that Harden had been a "positive participant" in 76ers practices amid the trade rumors. Now, it looks like he has reverted to other methods.

Back when he was trying to force his way out of the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season, Harden played all the hits. The 10-time All-Star made his partying increasingly public and showed up to training camp late.

Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was in Houston at the time, so he is more than familiar with Harden's tactics. Harden even called Morey a liar earlier in the offseason during a basketball camp in China.

It looks like he's willing to make thing much uglier in order to get his wish.