NBA Today star Richard Jefferson was speechless on live television, forcing Malika Andrews to step in at an awkward moment

RICHARD Jefferson was speechless on NBA Today as the crew tried to figure out what James Harden is up to.

Harden, 34, a former NBA MVP, recently signed his $35.6 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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However, his future is far from settled after he requested a swap.

Jefferson discussed the topic on the popular ESPN sports talk show and was asked simply, “What do you think?” by Malika Andrews.

Jefferson just shrugged and was silent for a few seconds while his co-hosts Andrews, Ramona Shelburne and Kendrick Perkins started laughing.

“Perk left you speechless? What?” Shelburne asked, as Andrews added, “We all stick together here.”

Jefferson then admitted, “I don’t know what James Harden wants.”

“I don’t know James personally. I’m a fan of his game. I played against him for years. But I don’t know what James wants. No one.” [does].”

Jefferson further noted that he wasn’t sure if money was the driving factor, having previously turned down a lucrative deal with the Houston Rockets, among other things.

He also kept quiet about Harden’s stint with the Brooklyn Nets and the drama surrounding then-teammate Kyrie Irving there, noting that Harden still wanted out even after Irving’s trade.

He then moved to the 76ers, where he played alongside reigning league MVP Joel Embiid. This, too, didn’t work for reasons unknown, and Jefferson has stated he wants out again.

Jefferson added, “There’s probably things behind the scenes, whether it’s broken, promises various things that we don’t know about — so I’m not blaming James Harden 100 percent.”

“But if you’ve turned down a quarter billion dollars for the last two seasons and now you’re suddenly stuck in a $35 million situation with a team that can’t extend you anymore, then you’re going to be dissatisfied.”

He added, “I’m looking forward to sitting back, watching it play out and then talking about it.”

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