When James Harden returned to the Philadelphia 76ers this week, he interpreted the notion that staying back and not traveling with the team on their two-game road trip was "a suggestion rather than a mandate," sources tell Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

Harden participated in portions of the shootaround session on Wednesday with the intention of joining the Sixers on their flight to Milwaukee. 

Harden arrived at the fixed-base operator airport to board the team flight, but he was stopped by a security official who notified him that he was not permitted to accompany the team, sources tell Haynes.

Elton Brand and Nick Nurse spoke to Harden to explain that the organization prefers he accepts and follows their workout plan.

Harden was frustrated but departed the airport without incident. 

Harden has not been fined by the Sixers for any of his absences, sources also tell Haynes.