Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden told NBA reporters on October 13 that his relationship with Daryl Morey “can’t be repaired.” Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and never wants to work with Morey again.
Harden, who used to be very close with Morey, was fined $100,000 by the NBA for calling Morey “a liar” during his Adidas tour in China. Harden called Morey a liar since he wasn’t traded quickly after opting into his 2023-24 player option.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Daryl Morey, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Harden felt Morey ghosted him before free agency started. Rather than wait for Morey and the Sixers to present whatever offer they had come up with once free agency opened on July 1, Harden picked up his $35.6 million player option before the June 30 deadline and requested a trade.
The Sixers were shocked at Harden’s decision, insisting to him and his representatives they had been distant only because they were hit with the largest tampering fine in NBA history and that they had every intention of re-signing him as soon as the rules allowed. However, it was too late, as Harden was furious with Morey and Co.
In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career. Morey is unlikely to allow Harden‘s behavior to force his hand to make a trade, according to NBA insider Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Daryl Morey, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
“Sources on both sides of the Harden situation concede they are taking things day-by-day,” Mizell wrote. “Or hour-by-hour. It’s still possible that Harden turns disruptive, as he did while forcing his way out of Houston in 2021 and Brooklyn the following year. Yet a source said Morey is unlikely to allow Harden’s behavior to force his hand to make a trade, because Nurse could bench Harden and let rising guard Tyrese Maxey gain experience as a primary ballhandler.”
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