The NBA is not happy with James Harden’s public statements regarding his future with the Philadelphia 76ers organization.
The league is fining Harden $100,000 after he called Sixers president Daryl Morey a “liar” while on a tour in China, adding that he would never play for an organization Morey was a part of.
James Harden interacts with students during his China tour on Aug. 13, 2023, in Shanghai. (Tang Yanjun/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
“The NBA announced today that Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for public comments on August 14 and 17 indicating he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team,” the NBA said in a statement Tuesday.
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On Saturday, the NBA launched an inquiry into the “circumstances” of the comments, per ESPN.
The NBA was believed to be looking into whether Harden was signaling a 2023-24 holdout in violation of the league’s CBA or “had been referencing past contract discussions with the organization that might constitute salary cap circumvention,” according to the report.
“The league’s investigation, which included an interview of Harden, confirmed that these comments referenced Harden’s belief that the 76ers would not accommodate his request to be traded,” the league’s statement continued.
Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations, poses with James Harden during a press conference on Feb. 15, 2022, at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Harden’s comments in China came two days after the 76ers reportedly ended trade talks for the 10-time All-Star.
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said. “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.”
When speaking with KHOU 11 in Houston last Thursday, Harden was asked whether it was too late to repair the relationship.
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James Harden and Daryl Morey of the Philadelphia 76ers during a press on Feb. 15, 2022, in Camden, New Jersey. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
“I think so,” Harden replied.
The relationship between Harden and the organization has rapidly deteriorated since Philadelphia lost a 3-2 series lead to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Harden picked up his $35.6 million player option with the club in the offseason, and the Sixers began exploring trade scenarios.
