76ers president Daryl Morey explains 'unavoidable' part of James Harden situation

The Sixers finally agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers this week, sending the former MVP guard (as well as forward P.J. Tucker and center Filip Petrusev) to the Western Conference contender. The move closed a months-long ordeal that began over the summer when Harden requested a trade and infamously called Morey a "liar."

Any flicker of hope in a reconciliation between the organization and the 10-time All-Star seemed to extinguish in late October when it was reported that the lefty tried to board the team plane last week, only to be rejected by security. This came on the heels of Harden's surprise decision to rejoin the 76ers after 10 days away from his teammates.

Harden had been MIA up until his shocking return, tending to a personal matter which was deemed an excused absence.

The 34-year-old was reportedly "frustrated" when he was turned away at the airport from joining his now former teammates on their season-opening road trip but left "without further incident."

Despite the ugly exit from Philadelphia, Harden's backcourt mate Tyrese Maxey said Tuesday that he had a positive text exchange with the veteran following the report of the trade.