5 biggest NBA offseason questions that still need to be answered

4. Who is more uncomfortable this NBA offseason, James Harden or Daryl Morey?

Right around the same time Lillard requested a trade, so did Harden. He opted-in to the second year of the 1+1 contract he signed with the Sixers last summer and made it clear he wanted to be traded and ideally to the Los Angeles Clippers.

And just like Lillard, Harden hasn’t been traded. For some different reasons though.

Harden’s contract is essentially the opposite of Lillard’s. It’s cheaper and expiring. While in theory, this makes it more desirable, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey also recognizes this and has remained steadfast in his demand of a star-level return for Harden.

At the moment, there doesn’t appear to be any teams interested in giving up a star-level return for Harden who is also 33 years old and his most recent memory for NBA teams are his two god-awful performances in Game 6 and Game 7 against the Boston Celtics last season.

The lack of movement has led to Morey stating he still would like Harden back on the team, Harden reiterating his desire to leave, Harden then posting on his Instagram that it’s time to be, “uncomfortable,” and ESPN publishing a story that pointed out a CBA clause stating a team can deny a player free agency if he sits out the final year of his contract.

The Sixers and Harden — just like Lillard and the Blazers — are at a standstill.

For Harden, this is his third trade request in two years.

For Morey, this is essentially the same as the Ben Simmons saga two summers ago.

So who is more uncomfortable? Probably neither of them, and instead the Sixers roster is paying the price of discomfort with five centers and almost zero playable wings at the moment.

But don’t worry, Morey said not to worry about the roster in July!