James Harden has, for the first time, spoken to the media about the conflict with Philadelphia 76ers’ president, and he described it in a somewhat humorous manner.
While he and Daryl Morey successfully collaborated when they were part of the Houston Rockets, their working relationship continued in the “City of Brotherly Love.” At one point, James Harden agreed to a reduction in his salary to create space in the salary cap, allowing the team to strengthen further.
When it came time for the star player to sign a new contract, the club’s management did not honor their commitment, and trade rumors began to circulate. The story doesn’t end there, as during an Asian tour, James Harden openly referred to the 76ers‘ president as a liar.
When asked by a reporter if he had reconciled with the club’s president, James Harden responded negatively and then explained his stance:
“It’s not about the current situation, it’s about life. When you lose trust in someone, like in a marriage, you’ve lost it, and that’s it. Do you understand what that means? It’s very simple. The front office and I had a great relationship for a whole decade. There was constant communication. But when that was lost, it was over.
When I came to Philadelphia, my idea was to retire here, but the front office had a different plan, and that wasn’t in their plans.”
A solution is still not in sight, even though there are several interested clubs seeking the services of the “NBA’s first beard”:
“I have to make a decision in the best interest of my family. This is a business; it’s just how it is. I came here to work hard, as I have been for the past 15 years as a professional. As I said, I control what I can control. I look at every day as a new opportunity. My plan is to keep playing basketball, there’s no doubt about that.”