James Harden ‘tells NBA probe why he called Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey a liar’ amid feud
- James Harden publicly ripped at Sixers GM Daryl Morey, labeling him a ‘liar’
- The 10-time All-Star’s public tirade led the NBA to launch an investigation
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The reason behind James Harden’s public attack on “liar” Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey has been revealed, according to a report.
An enraged Harden attacked Morey earlier this month at a basketball camp in China, accusing the 76ers chief of dishonesty after talks about his desired move to the LA Clippers ended.
The 10-time All-Star’s public tirade led the NBA to launch an investigation into the fallout between Harden and Morey.
The investigation exposed Harden’s reasoning for labeling Morey a liar The athletic.
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.
James Harden reportedly told the NBA probe why he called Daryl Morey a liar
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
However, it is now believed that Philadelphia’s position is that they will keep the former Brooklyn Nets star.
Harden had set his sights on a trade to the Clippers after just 18 months in Philadelphia, but talks came to an end when the Sixers failed to strike a deal.
He sent shock waves through the NBA unleash a sensational attack on Morey’s character, president of basketball operations.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any organization that he is part of,” he said as he reeled in the Sixers GM.
“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.”
According to ESPNNBA officials are looking into the 33-year-old’s feud with Morey to understand whether he’s predicting a 2023-2024 postponement in violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
They are also trying to understand if he was in fact referring to past contract talks that could amount to circumventing the salary cap.
Harden is expected to report to the Sixers’ training camp in September after being told no suitable trade with the Clippers had been found, despite the point guard claiming his relationship with the franchise has broken down irretrievably this week .
When asked by Jason Bristol of KHOU 11 when it’s too late to save his 76ers career, he simply said, “I think so.”
Harden, who is currently in Houston for another one of his JH-Town charity weekend events, also said beforehand, “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 was sent to Philadelphia in 2022 in exchange for Ben Simmons, who was sent to Brooklyn after becoming embroiled in his own trade standoff with the Sixers.
Harden’s public diatribe led the NBA (Photo Commissioner Adam Silver) to launch an investigation
Harden suggested last week that it is too late to mend his relationship with Morey and the Sixers
In June, he picked up his $35.6 million contract option for next season with the 76ers, despite the fact that he could have decided to try for free. The Sixers also had the right to offer him a four-year, $210 million deal – $8 million more than any other team.
Last year, the franchise handed him a two-year, $68.6 million deal that included a player option that allowed him to sign two additional veteran free-duty contributors.
A subsequent NBA investigation found that the Sixers held premature talks with PJ Tucker and Danuel House, and were eventually stripped of two future second-round picks.
The league found no evidence that Philadelphia discussed or agreed on a future deal with Harden based on its agreement on a one-plus-one contract. It also continues to deny that it ever made or reneged on any illegal future deal with him.