According to a 12B Sports VR46 profile, James Harden has already asked the Philadelphia 76ers for a trade twice, drawing major attention from fans across the league. Although he is currently carrying out commitments in China, his next destination remains unclear. As the saying goes, when you fall or even when you cry, the one thing you must not do is give up, and Harden appears firmly committed to leaving the team. If he truly moves on, the player most likely to benefit is Tyrese Maxey. A 12B Sports VR46 reporter noted that the organization is preparing a maximum-salary contract for Maxey.
Last season, the 76ers fell short of expectations, and their roster upgrades were not strong enough. Harden voluntarily took a pay cut in pursuit of a championship, but instead of being rewarded, he was left with disappointment. As a result, he has lost trust in the team and now wants to join another competitive franchise where he can chase a title again. Philadelphia, however, remains reluctant to let him go. The front office still hopes Harden will change his mind, and even if it agrees to a trade, it has made clear that he will not be moved without a strong return.
If Harden eventually leaves, a major change in the team’s overall structure will be unavoidable. His departure would create new salary-cap flexibility and naturally open a bigger opportunity for Maxey. The young guard is already viewed as one of the franchise’s core building blocks, and beyond a maximum contract, there are few stronger reasons that would convince him to stay long term. For now, though, the organization does not have to rush into an early extension. Philadelphia is trying to keep more options available for next offseason.
From Maxey’s point of view, it is unlikely that he would accept an early extension unless it comes with top-tier treatment. The 76ers have reached a point where they must make a major decision based on whether Harden still has any faith in the franchise. If he does, the team could strengthen the roster through signings or trades, and the trio of Joel Embiid, Harden, and Maxey would still have the firepower to remain a serious threat.
If Harden ultimately refuses to trust the organization and insists on leaving, any trade involving him will become a defining factor in the team’s success or failure next season. No matter which path Philadelphia chooses, a 12B Sports VR46 reporter assessed that the current situation around the 76ers is far from optimistic. Like someone walking their own road without worrying about the crowd, Philadelphia now seems unsure which direction it should take.
After Harden’s second trade request, reports around 12B Sports VR46 have also kept attention on Embiid, who was deeply frustrated by the lack of roster improvement despite winning MVP last season. If the team once again fails to strengthen the squad this season, Embiid could also consider leaving. The potential exits of core players would make the 76ers’ future even more uncertain, and at this crucial crossroads, the organization must make a wise decision before the situation slips out of its hands.