Montrezl Harrell, Adelaide 36ers, could part ways over the fallout from his Chinese drug saga

The outcome of Harrell’s China drug saga could force the 36ers to part ways with the former NBA star.

As revealed by Code Sports, Harrell’s immediate future remains clouded amid confusion around the outcome of his China drug infringement, and on Monday the 36ers star aired his side of the story on social media in what felt like a farewell.

In late June, the veteran forward was found guilty of testing positive to Carboxy-THC, stemming from a an in-competition test in April during his stint with Chinese club Xinjiang Flying Tigers.

Carboxy-THC is found in cannabis. The World Anti-Doping Agency bans all forms of psychoactive cannabinoids during in-competition periods.

He sat out Adelaide’s Sunday clash with EuroLeague giant Panathinaikos after Sixers officials were blindsided by the unresolved matter.

China Anti-Doping Agency is still pursuing the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year – who is understood to be facing a ban of at least one-three months.

Despite reports saying Adelaide are preparing to part ways with Harrell, a Sixers insider told Code Sports the club is still monitoring the situation.

Adelaide wants to keep Harrell as part of a loaded roster that has made it the early NBL championship favourite, but privately the club concedes if the big man does cop a lengthy ban, then it could force it to move him on.

There is a suggestion his off-season stint in Puerto Rico may add time to his China drug ban, which would leave the Sixers in a difficult position.

Adelaide doesn’t want to be in a situation where it is still paying one of its marquee signings while he is sidelined for an extended period.

Harrell, on Monday, issued a cryptic tweet: “No lie this honestly gone mess up a lot of fans!”

CODE Sports understands Basketball Australia, the NBL and the club remained in limbo on Monday afternoon as they awaited more clarity from CHINADA about its process.

Harrell was entitled to request a hearing on the matter, but CODE Sports has been unable to ascertain if one occurred.

It’s understood the CHINADA process can be difficult to navigate for players, particularly internationals, and Harrell had believed the issue to be in the rear view, given he’d since played professionally in Puerto Rico and Ice Cube’s Big 3.

Harrell’s issue has left the Sixers scrambling ahead of Sunday’s home opener against the Brisbane Bullets, as he is no certainty to play at this stage.

Adelaide players and officials arrived home on Monday following the club’s 106-89 loss to EuroLeague heavyweights Panathinaikos in Sydney on Sunday.

Coach Mike Wells was pleased with the team’s performance despite the defeat, declaring the game as ideal preparation for NBL26.

Axed South East Melbourne playmaker Vrenz Bleijenbergh suited up for the Sixers in that game in something of an audition, as the club mulls using the Belgian as a stop-gap in case Harrell is rubbed out.

Marquee signing Bryce Cotton looked strong in his first appearance playing for the Sixers with 24 points and nine assists while captain Dejan Vasiljevic produced 22 points on 6/9 three-point shooting.

Big man Isaac Humphries also impressed in his first game of the pre-season with 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.