NBA Rumors: It’s safe to say that James Harden is no longer a fan of Daryl Morey in his latest public statement.
James Harden is prepared and ready, and may have already started, to ugly up things between he and the Philadelphia 76ers. Speaking at what appeared to be an even on his China tour, Harden had some very strong words for Daryl Morey and the Sixers.
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
This is likely Harden’s response to the recent report over the weekend that stated the Sixers were done shopping Harden and that they were going to carry him on the roster into training camp.
Harden reportedly demanded or requested a trade away from the Sixers at the start of the offseason. He opted in with the belief that the Sixers and his camp would work together to find a trade to his preferred destination, the LA Clippers.
However, a deal of the Sixers liking never materialize and they decided to pull the plug on their efforts.
Is there more bad history between James Harden and Daryl Morey?
It’s tough to say if this statement or jab at Morey and the Sixers is just about his most recent situation or if there’s perhaps something more at play here. Considering how things quickly changed in their relationship, you can’t help but wonder if this isn’t the first falling-out moment that has happened between Harden and Morey.
Nevertheless, if Morey did promise Harden that he would be traded if he opted in, you can see why he may be ticked off by the Sixers’ most recent developments. Even though it may have ended up being a negotiation tactic, Harden clearly doesn’t want to be in Philadelphia anymore. The fact that he trusted Morey to do him right and then it’s reported that the Sixers aren’t trading Harden anymore, it’s easy to see why one would be upset.
Does that mean Harden is right for demanding a trade? Not at all. Thats another conversation for another day. However, in a vacuum, if Morey did go back on his word to Harden, that’s naturally going to hurt a relationship.
And in the NBA, especially most recently, we’ve come to learn that relationships are important.
Harden has jabbed back. And this may just be the beginning for Harden and his plan to force hiw way out of Philadelphia. The question is, what will the Sixers do next? Will they stand firm and take this fight into training camp?