James Harden: NBPA to file grievance disputing NBA decision to fine 76ers star $100,000 over Daryl Morey ‘liar’ comments
James Harden: NBPA will file a complaint against the NBA’s decision to fine the 76ers $100,000 over Daryl Morey’s ‘liar’ comments
- Harden was fined by the NBA on Tuesday after his comments about Morey
- But the NBPA believes his words did not violate any rule against trade demands
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The National Basketball Players Association is filing a complaint against the NBA’s decision to fine James Harden $100,000 over his controversial comments about 76ers president Daryl Morey.
Harden unleashed an unbelievable verbal attack on Morey earlier this month, labeling the Philadelphia chief a “liar” while vowing never to play under him again.
Following his public dig, the league 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.”
And three days after his outburst, when asked if it was too late to save his career with the 76ers, Harden added, “I think so.”
Both episodes landed the ten-time All-Star, who was left frustrated after failing to close a desired trade with the LA Clippers in the offseason, in hot water with the NBA, with Harden ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.
The NBPA is set to file a complaint against James Harden’s $100,000 fine from the NBA
Harden unleashed a sensational attack (right) on 76ers president Daryl Morey (left) last week, labeling him a “liar” after ending trade talks with the Clippers
Nevertheless, the NBPA intends to challenge the fine, as it does not believe Harden violated any rules against public trade demands.
“We respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline James Harden due to recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands,” the players’ union said in a statement Tuesday night.
“We intend to file a complaint and have the matter heard by our arbitrator.”
Harden first encountered Morey while at a basketball camp in China and accused the 76ers 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 that 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 opt-in for 2023-24.
Harden this week suggested it’s too late to mend his relationship with Morey and the Sixers
He 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 added, “I’ve been patient all summer. For me, I just focus on what I can control, which is training (and) staying in shape and preparing for a good season.”
The 33-year-old landed in Philadelphia in 2022 in exchange for Ben Simmons, who was sent to Brooklyn after getting embroiled in his own trade dispute with the Sixers.