Update 08/22/2023 3:07pm:
James Harden previously called 76ers president Daryl Morey a “liar” while speaking to a crowd in China. He noted he would never play for an organization run by Daryl Morey.
Now, Harden has been reportedly hit with a massive $100,000 fine for making public trade demands. A release from the NBA said Harden was fined for “public comments on August 14 and 17 indicating that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.” As of now, James Harden hasn’t responded. Take a look above.
source: CNN
Original 08/22/2023 2:39am:
As the NBA launched its investigation into the comments made by James Harden regarding 76ers president Daryl Morey, reports surfacing reveal that Harden felt misled by Morey this offseason.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Harden called Morey a liar for not trading him "quickly" as he was promised before opting into his $35.6 million player option. Many assumed that Harden was "disgruntled" for not receiving a long-term deal but apparently the LA native had enough of Philadelphia and was ready to move on. This, on the heels of Harden taking a pay cut last season to add pieces like P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. But the trade demands came after it was clear that Philly had no intentions of signing him long-term.
So whether Harden is to be believed, money appears to be the root cause of the issues between Harden and the Sixers brass.
