Sixers' Daryl Morey Is Asking for 'Exorbitant' Price for James Harden

James Harden - Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics - Game Five

(Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - James Harden (#1) of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half of game five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 76ers defeat the Celtics 115-103.

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is reportedly asking for an exorbitant price for superstar James Harden, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

"Teams are not engaging the Sixers with the kind of asks that Daryl Morey is asking for James Harden. That's where Daryl Morey always starts in trade talks, really high. Over time, perhaps, you work him back down," the league insider said on the NBA Today podcast.

Harden was traded to Philadelphia in the middle of the 2021-22 NBA season in a deal that involved Ben Simmons and several other players.

The 33-year-old picked up his player option with the Sixers for the 2023-24 season worth $35.6 million, but he does not intend to stay with the team.

There weren't any interested teams with enough cap space to pay the 2018 NBA MVP's $35.6 million option with the Sixers this upcoming season, prompting Harden to re-sign with Philly and find a suitable trade.

Mutual interest between Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden

There has been mutual interest between the Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden, and the league's leader in assists last season was determined to be in Los Angeles for his next campaign.

Trade talks between the Clippers and the Sixers have been sluggish due to Morey's high asking price, while Harden has been disappointed in how his impending free agency this offseason is being handled, causing deep dissatisfaction with the team.