
"I think James has to be careful because, with all due respect, the NBA doesn't need him no more," Barnes said on the 'Certified Smoke' podcast. "And I'm all for player empowerment, but he forced his way out of Houston, forced his way out of Brooklyn, and now he's trying to force his way out of Philly.
"He's got so much talent and a lot of game left, could talk himself out of the league with his talent, which is Nuts to think," Barnes cautioned.
James Harden, a former MVP and one of the NBA's top offensive stars, attracted attention with his well-publicized departures from both the Houston Rockets in 2021 and the Brooklyn Nets the following year.
Despite his remarkable career, the 34-year-old has yet to secure an NBA championship. His aspiration for a championship-level team is clear, but Matt Barnes suggests that his continued insistence on dictating his destination might have a negative impact on his legacy.