Former Arizona State and current Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden was fined $100,000 for his “liar” comments about 76ers’ President Daryl Morey when in China, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The NBA is fining Sixers star James Harden $100,000 for his recent comments referring to franchise president Daryl Morey as a “liar,” sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2023
James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said.
James Harden says he will “never” be a part of an organization with Daryl Morey
The $100,000 is the max that a league can fine a player.
Yesterday, it was reported by The Athletic’s Sham Charania that Harden told league investigators his comments were about Morey not trading him quickly when he opted into his contract with the expectation of being traded.
As part of NBA probe into his “liar” comment, James Harden told league investigators he was referring to Daryl Morey telling Harden he will trade him “quickly” following the $35.6 million opt in for 2023-24, per sources. The 76ers’ stance now is they expect to keep Harden.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 21, 2023
Harden also did an interview in Houston with KHOU’s Jason Bristol last week where he said he thinks his relationship with the 76ers is beyond repair.
EXCLUSIVE: James Harden tells me he thinks his relationship w/ 76ers is beyond repair.
"I've been patient all summer."
Back from China, he's in #Houston for his 'JH-Town Weekend,' including kids carnival & celebrity softball game for charity.
Story: https://t.co/qDTacHfa51 @KHOU pic.twitter.com/gSDdAVoo9S— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) August 18, 2023
This is the third time that Harden has tried to force his way off of a team after seemingly being a loyal player during a long stretch of time in Houston, where Morey ran the team.
Harden played with the Rockets from 2012 to 2021, becoming one of the best players in franchise history, averaging 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 games for them and winning MVP in 2018. His tenure came to an abrupt end in January 2021 after Harden demanded a trade, and his wish was granted, as he joined the Nets alongside the likes of Irving and Kevin Durant.
When his time on the Nets did not pan out how he wanted, Harden requested and was granted a trade to the 76ers in February 2022 in large part because he wanted to play for Morey.
Harden and the 76ers were eliminated in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs this year, but Harden had two 40-point games during the series.
We will see how the rest of this situation pans out.
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on Twitter via @Brendan_Mau
