76ers star James Harden attends Houston Dynamo against Real Salt Lake in the US Open Cup semifinal… one day after his $100,000 NBA fine for Daryl Morey’s ‘liar’ comments
- Harden, a ten-time NBA All Star, is still embroiled in a bitter dispute with the 76ers
- But he found time to sit back and watch the US Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday
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James Harden was spotted playing Wednesday night’s US Open Cup semifinal between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake as his acrimonious standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers continues.
Harden, a ten-time NBA All Star, was fined $100,000 by the league this week after his astonishing verbal assault on 76ers president Daryl Morey.
The point guard targeted Morey earlier this month for his failed attempts to strike a deal with the LA Clippers. He branded him a “liar” and promised never to play under him again after talks fell through.
And three days after his outburst, when asked if it was too late to save his Sixers career, Harden added, “I think so.”
In response to his public comments, the NBA launched an investigation into comments it said “indicated that he would not provide the services his player contract calls for unless he was traded to another team.”
James Harden was featured in the semifinals of the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake in the US Open Cup
Harden is currently embroiled in a bitter standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers over a trade dispute
But he could sit back and watch Houston get the better of Real Salt Lake in Texas
Ultimately, Harden was fined $100,000, which the NBPA intends to contest, as it does not believe he violated any rules against public trade demands.
As his feud with Philadelphia continued, Harden was seen kicking back and relaxing during the US Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday night.
As Houston claimed a 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in overtime — setting off a final showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami — the Sixers outcast watched from the stands of Shell Energy Stadium in Texas.
Hector Herrera put Houston ahead that night, before Anderson’s equalizing goal forced Julio into extra time with 26 minutes remaining.
It was there where the hosts prevailed, with goals from Adalberto Carrasquilla and Luis Caicedo sending them through to the final.
Brayan Vera also saw the red for Real Salt Lake in the final stages of overtime before Houston was confirmed as a finalist.
Earlier in the evening, Miami booked their place in the final by toppling Cincinnati on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes.
Harden is expected to report to the Sixers’ training camp in September after being informed that no suitable trade with the Clippers had been found, despite the point guard claiming his relationship with the franchise has been broken beyond repair.
Harden unleashed a sensational attack (right) on 76ers president Daryl Morey (left), branding him a “liar” and vowing never to play for him again after ending trade talks with the Clippers
The NBA responded to his comments by fining him $100,000, a fine the NBPA will contest
He first met Morey when he was at a basketball camp Chinaaccusing the Philadelphia chief of dishonesty after talks of a move to the Clippers ended.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any organization he is part of,” he said.
“Let me say it again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any organization that he is a part of.”
Harden reportedly told league investigators that his comment referred to Morey telling him he would trade him “soon” after the $35.6 million 2023-2024 bid.
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