The NBA launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden’s public admonishment of Daryl Morey. As part of the investigation, Harden told NBA investigators he called Morey “a liar” because he wasn’t traded “quickly” after opting into his player option for the 2023-24 season, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Harden called Morey “a liar” during his Adidas tour in China. The 2017-18 NBA MVP has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers so he can play with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
The NBA office is believed to be pursuing an understanding of whether Harden was portending a 2023-24 holdout in violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement or had been referencing past contract discussions with the organization that might constitute salary cap circumvention.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Daryl Morey & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden has privately indicated that his public comments calling Morey a “liar” had only been a response to Morey ending trade discussions with an expectation that Harden would start the season with the Sixers. Neither the Sixers nor Harden would be in violation of any league guidelines should that be communicated to NBA officials.
Philadelphia informed Harden it hadn’t found a suitable trade with his preferred destination of the Clippers and that it expected him to report to the team’s training camp in September. Despite public speculation, Harden has made no allegations of a previous handshake agreement with the Sixers on a future contract.
Harden, who turns 34 this month, exercised his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season in June with an expectation that Morey would work with him on finding a trade to the Clippers. The Sixers and Clippers engaged in numerous conversations but never gained traction on a deal.
Morey, leery of making a trade involving Harden that diminishes Philadelphia’s chances at contention next season, is faced with the dilemma of acquiescing to Harden’s demand and keeping Joel Embiid part of a contending team next season. Morey is running the risk of an unhappy Harden creating something less than a championship-driven environment.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Daryl Morey & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
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