Aug. 22, 2023: James Harden was recently assessed a $100,000 punishment by the National Basketball Association. Harden made remarks regarding Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey on August 14 and August 17, and those remarks prompted the fine.
Harden asserted that Morey was lying and refused to join any squad that had Morey on it. After looking into the matter, the NBA concluded that Harden’s remarks suggested he would only fulfill his contract if he were traded to a different team.
Harden hoped to be traded away after choosing to enter the final year of his deal with Philadelphia in June. He first shared his frustration over the situation and Morey at an Adidas event in China.
When Harden called out Morey, he didn’t mince words. “Daryl Morey is a liar, and there’s no way I’ll play for any team he’s involved with,” Harden told the crowd. “Let me repeat it: Daryl Morey is a liar. I won’t play for any organization he’s a part of.”
A few days later, Harden told a reporter that it was too late to put things right with Morey.
The first preseason game between the 76ers and Celtics will occur on October 8. They will next meet the Bucks to begin the regular season on October 26.
It will be intriguing to see if the conflict between Harden and the 76ers can be resolved. Let’s hope they devise a solution that makes Harden proud to be a team member.
Both parties can reach an agreement that enables Harden to think favorably about being a team member.
