Sixers: Doc Rivers Drops Truth Bomb on James Harden Relationship Before Firing

(Photo : Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - Head coach Doc Rivers and James Harden (#1) of the Philadelphia 76ers speak during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center.

The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to pull off a James Harden trade, and a person familiar with the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player - former Sixers coach Doc Rivers dropped an interesting take.

Malika Andrews: “At the end of your tenure [with the Sixers], what was your relationship with James Harden?”

Doc Rivers: “It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, it was pretty much neutral.” 👀

(via @ESPNNBA)https://t.co/cnCLsiuGaX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 11, 2023

"It wasn't bad, it wasn't good," Rivers said. "It was pretty much neutral. It was an honest relationship at the end of the day. I was very honest. I really believe there's ways you have to play to win and, obviously, I was never willing to compromise on that. It was a relationship of communication. I can tell you, we talked when we needed to talk all the time."

As most know, Rivers was fired after the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, despite having Harden and Joel Embiid, NBA.com reported.

But his comments on the 34-year-old could play a key role in why it is hard to pull off a James Harden trade. It appears it takes so much to please the 10-time All-Star.

Nick Nurse given fair warning

Further, this could be a warning shot fired towards new head coach Nick Nurse, Sports Illustrated reported.

The former Toronto Raptors head coach has been tasked to turn things around for Philly and will have to deal with the 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award winner for now.

Only one team has so far expressed interest in Harden, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clips and the Sixers explored that possibility, but this has not gotten anywhere.

Aside from the Clips, it remains to be seen if any other team may be interested. One team that is unlikely to pursue "The Beard" is the Miami Heat, per CBS Sports sources.