Just two days following reports that the Philadelphia 76ers had ceased trade negotiations involving James Harden, the highly acclaimed 10-time All-Star guard openly criticized Daryl Morey, the president of the 76ers.

During a promotional event for Adidas in China, Harden asserted, "Daryl Morey is not truthful, and I have no intention of affiliating myself with any organization that he is associated with. Let me reiterate: Daryl Morey is untruthful, and I am resolute in my decision to avoid any organization connected to him."

Insiders revealed on Saturday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of WESPER, that the 76ers intended to reintegrate Harden into their training camp and the upcoming season. This move set the stage for an uncomfortable dynamic involving the discontented star.

Throughout the offseason, the Sixers engaged in intermittent discussions with the LA Clippers, a team Harden had expressed interest in joining. However, no substantial progress was made towards an agreement, sources disclosed.

Upon Harden's request and subsequent decision to exercise his $35.6 million player option in June, the Sixers agreed to explore potential trade options. However, their asking price was exorbitant, deterring any interested parties, including the Clippers, who were unable or unwilling to meet the demands, sources confirmed.

Harden's dissatisfaction with Morey is rooted in the absence of a long-term, maximum-value contract offer, insiders reported. Consequently, the team faces the prospect of Harden's arrival at training camp undermining their pursuit of a championship mindset. Notably, Morey served as the Houston Rockets' long-standing General Manager during Harden's tenure of over eight seasons with the franchise.

Philadelphia remains convinced that reuniting Harden with MVP center Joel Embiid will elevate them to championship contender status. Accordingly, the team is committed to finding a workable solution for Harden's presence this season, sources revealed.

Harden, the recipient of the 2018 NBA MVP award, is now in the midst of his third attempt to orchestrate a departure from a team within three years. Having initially risen to prominence with the Rockets under Morey's leadership, Harden sought a trade to the Brooklyn Nets. Subsequently, he sought a move to the 76ers, primarily due to his strong professional and personal rapport with Morey, after a championship bid alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving failed to materialize.

While Harden led the league in assists during the most recent season, he ceded prominence as a premier isolation scorer to Embiid. It seems that the prospect of playing as the secondary option behind Embiid and contending for a title in Philadelphia is now unlikely.

The 76ers experienced disappointment with an early exit in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and they appear to be in a state of flux under the guidance of new coach Nick Nurse.

Harden's performances were notably mixed during the playoffs, ranging from standout games to instances of struggles. His contribution included high-scoring victories as well as less impactful outings.

The 76ers have encountered a similar scenario previously when former top pick Ben Simmons demanded a trade due to strained relations with former coach Doc Rivers and other organizational figures. Simmons' discontent led to disruptions in the training camp, his absence during the subsequent season, and ultimately, his trade - which included Harden.

Information sourced from The Associated Press was utilized in compiling this report.