Philadelphia 76ers general manager, Daryl Morey, has always been candid. And in a recent interview with 97.5 The Fanatic, he shared his insights into the unsettling rumors surrounding one of their key players, James Harden.
With trade rumors in the air, Morey revealed Harden's preference to switch teams, but he was resolute: the Sixers will only let Harden go if it helps maintain the team's chances at a championship run.
Keeping Their Eyes on the Prize
"The team's focus is not to just make a trade for the sake of it.
If we don't get either a top-tier player or something we can develop into one, we're just not going to do it," Morey firmly stated on The Fanatic, a sentiment originally reported by Philly Voice. His comment underscores the rigorous strategy he employs when evaluating potential trades, ensuring that the Sixers' competitive edge remains sharp.
Despite the rumors, Morey has not lost hope in retaining Harden. He stated, "If James were to change his mind, we would all be thrilled. But at this moment, he prefers to be traded, and we are attempting to honor that." Morey's admission came on the heels of a viral video in which Joel Embiid, another top player for the 76ers, mentioned his ambition to clinch a championship "whether it's in Philly or anywhere else." Ensuring the Team's Future Success Emphasizing the importance of the team's resilience, Morey stressed the need for a robust strategy that will keep the Sixers competitive in the forthcoming season, irrespective of Harden's future.
"We need to ensure that Joel Embiid, who is one of the best players on Earth, has a top running mate," Morey said. Expounding on his team's need for a talent boost, Morey added, "Whether that's James returning or what we turn James into, we know we need more firepower." Morey's vision for the 76ers extends beyond just the immediate season.
He is strategically building a team that not only aims to clinch the championship this year but also establishes a foundation for a successful run in the seasons to come. "Our objective is to have the best team possible this year but also maintain the ability to be a unique team next season — a team with the most cap room that's as good as us," Morey stated.
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