The friction between James Harden and the 76ers took a quirky turn Saturday, when the team wished the disgruntled star “Happy Birthday” on social media.
With all the drama surrounding the veteran guard’s trade recent request, it’s rather odd to see the club deliver a warm and fuzzy message to someone who no longer wishes to be involved with the organization. The 10-time All-Star, who publicly called team executive Daryl Morey a “liar” earlier this month, was subsequently fined by the NBA $100,000 for his comment.
The 76ers reportedly ended trade discussions recently after failing to make significant progress. As of now, Philadelphia appears content to keep the 34-year-old despite his pledge to skip training camp and desire to “make life very uncomfortable” for the organization amid the impasse.
happy birthday @JHarden13. ???? pic.twitter.com/9JfTj2WkhM
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) August 26, 2023
Some fans viewed the post as an attempt by the 76ers to troll their unhappy star. Others wondered if Harden had hacked the team’s account. Most thought the whole situation was awkward.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) August 26, 2023
This organization is hilarious https://t.co/iv6eG6GAiR
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) August 26, 2023
"I don't know... maybe we scheduled it a while ago?" https://t.co/iKaZbk2mDA pic.twitter.com/XN8U8KSoz1
— Kofie (@Kofie) August 26, 2023
I guess the Sixers forgot to change their social passwords and James Harden still has access https://t.co/Lp0mfUnrOn
— Phil Stiefel (@Beardaknowledge) August 26, 2023
Happy birthday @JHarden13. ???? pic.twitter.com/DutGWX6OkS https://t.co/0a3lCWwoeX
— 76ers France (@FR_Sixers) August 26, 2023
This is an interesting tweet!!! https://t.co/u8dyF5CEnp
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) August 26, 2023
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) August 26, 2023
https://t.co/BneqqSu5kH pic.twitter.com/1KgLRSdWB2
— Sixers Nation (@PHLSixersNation) August 26, 2023