The Philadelphia 76ers may have entertained the idea of bringing back James Harden for the 2023-24 season despite trade talks, but the superstar guard seems to have burned that bridge. Harden, while in China, publicly criticized 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, accusing him of dishonesty and vowing never to play for any team affiliated with him.
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I want no part in any organization he’s associated with,” declared Harden on Monday. He restated his sentiments, emphasizing his distrust of Morey.
Harden’s comments drew cheers from the crowd present during his statement. The exact reason behind his pointed remarks towards Morey remains unclear, although it should be noted that Morey traded for Harden from the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, with both having previously worked together at the Houston Rockets.
It’s worth noting the timing of Harden’s comments, which comes after trade talks surrounding the guard reportedly fell through last week when negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers broke down. Despite this setback, the 76ers had plans to bring Harden back, and he had even chosen to exercise the final year of his contract worth $35.6 million, seemingly hoping for a move elsewhere. Additionally, he removed any mention of Philadelphia from his social media accounts.
Another interesting factor is where Harden made these remarks – in China. It was in 2019 when Morey, as a member of the Rockets, created a significant controversy by posting a pro-Hong Kong message as protests against a Chinese extradition law erupted. The NBA was in the midst of a preseason tour with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, and there was backlash. The Rockets happened to be in Japan at the time, where some team members, including Harden, distanced themselves from Morey’s statement and expressed their love for China.
While Morey eventually apologized, the incident strained relations between the NBA and China. Harden’s recent public condemnation of Morey may further complicate matters.
In conclusion, James Harden’s scathing comments directed at Daryl Morey have effectively extinguished any chances of a future collaboration. The timing and location of Harden’s remarks, combined with the history between Morey and China, add additional layers to the already intriguing situation.
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