Busby Williams
In a candid turn of events, James Harden has openly expressed his discontent with Daryl Morey, the president of the Philadelphia 76ers. The superstar guard, who recently saw his trade request reportedly denied by the Sixers, didn’t mince words when addressing the situation.
During a press event hosted by Adidas in China, Harden was confronted by an attendee who questioned his thoughts on the Sixers’ decision to halt trade negotiations and attempt to reintegrate him into the team. Harden’s response was forthright and unfiltered.
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
“Daryl Morey’s credibility is questionable, and I have no intention of associating myself with any organization he is a part of,” Harden asserted. “Let me reiterate: I find Daryl Morey’s claims lacking in truthfulness, and I have no intention of affiliating myself with any team under his leadership.”
Reports emerged from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the 76ers were concluding trade discussions involving Harden, despite his emphatic request for a trade, which had reportedly been conveyed months earlier. The 76ers had aimed for Harden to team up with reigning Kia MVP Joel Embiid to propel the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2001. However, Philadelphia has faced consecutive eliminations in the Eastern Conference semifinals over the past two seasons, including a recent 4-3 defeat against Boston after initially holding a 3-2 series advantage.
Harden, who had established himself as a perennial MVP contender and secured an MVP award during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, has seen his production diminish while sharing the court with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn and now with Embiid in Philadelphia. Nonetheless, the three-time scoring champion and two-time assists leader has maintained an impressive performance level, averaging at least 20 points and 10 assists per game over the past three seasons since departing from the Rockets. Notably, he led the league with 10.7 assists per game last season and achieved a 38.5% three-point shooting rate, his best since the 2011-12 season when he played for the up-and-coming Oklahoma City team alongside future MVPs Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Wojnarowski’s insight highlights Harden’s persistent desire for a trade during this offseason, even as the 76ers remain committed to not compromising their championship aspirations with a hasty trade. Harden chose to exercise his contract option for the upcoming season, securing $35.6 million. Although the 33-year-old had the option to explore free agency, the Sixers retained the ability to present him with a four-year, $210 million deal – a substantial $8 million more than any other competing offer.
If a trade involving Harden materializes, it will mark his third trade since his initial trade request from the Houston Rockets in February 2021.
