Back in late June, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden opted into his player option and subsequently requested a trade out of Philadelphia. Two weeks have passed since his request, and Harden still remains a member of the Sixers organization.

But Harden's trade request to the Sixers recently got important updates from two high-profile NBA reporters. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne appeared on the NBA Today show on Tuesday and reported that Harden still wants to be traded, per an article from Bleacher Report's Erin Walsh.

But just because Harden wants a trade doesn't mean the Sixers will grant him his wish. ESPN's Dave McMenamin hopped on the Dan Patrick show and noted that all signs point to James Harden staying with the Sixers, according to a tweet from David Malandra Jr:

“The signals right now are that James Harden will be back in Philadelphia,” McMenamin said.

Related Philadelphia 76ers NewsArticle continues below
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) reacts to his three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers guard Jared McCain shows off his new MVP nail polish line
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
76ers news: Paul George’s view on potential 76ers pick Ace Bailey revisited

James Harden, 33, has played 14 years in the NBA and two as a member of the storied Sixers franchise. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.5 blocks, 3.4 turnovers, and 1.9 personal fouls per game across 58 appearances in the 2022-23 season (all starts).

The former Arizona State star shot the ball with great accuracy from behind the 3-point arc in the 2022-23 campaign — Harden's 38.5% three-point percentage was the second-highest of his entire pro career.

Only time will tell if Harden will remain a Sixer by the start of next season. But what's already clear is that the Sixers should do all they can to keep him, as he is still one of the game's best playmakers and scorers.