The NBA league has launched an investigation after Philadelphia 76ers player James Harden referred to his team’s President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, as a “liar,” according to ESPN.
During his visit to China, James Harden made strong remarks directed at Morey.
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I don’t want to play for an organization that he is a part of. I repeat, Daryl Morey is a liar. I don’t want to play for an organization that he is a part of,” the American guard stated during the address.
ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne: The NBA has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding 76ers star James Harden’s public admonishment of franchise’s President Daryl Morey: https://t.co/8CyXFmu4gx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 19, 2023
The NBA league has taken this step to examine whether Harden’s words suggest that he might sit out the next season, potentially violating the collective bargaining agreement, or if they pertain to other matters within the organization.
As per ESPN’s information, the reason behind Harden’s reaction is the revelation that Morey had ceased all trade discussions and that Harden would continue to represent the 76ers in the upcoming season.
Philadelphia informed the player that they hadn’t found a suitable solution in the potential exchange with the Los Angeles Clippers. Simultaneously, they conveyed the expectation for Harden to attend the team’s training camp in September.
Morey has previously traded for Harden twice, the most recent being in February 2022, when the All-Star player arrived from Brooklyn to Pennsylvania. While they once had a strong relationship, it has since deteriorated due to Harden’s reported discontent with his contract.
This investigation highlights the importance of player-team dynamics and how public comments can impact a team’s cohesion and future decisions.