Disgruntled 76ers star James Harden clarifies 'liar' remark amid NBA investigation
James Harden publicly labeled Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey "a liar" during an event in China last week. The comments sparked an inquiry from the NBA to investigate the dissolving relationship between the Sixers and its disgruntled star.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Harden has informed league investigators that his "liar" comment refers to Morey telling him the team would trade him "quickly" after he opted into his contract in late June.
Harden could have declined his $35.6M option for the 2023-24 season and entered free agency. Instead, Harden exercised the deal with the assumption that he and the organization would work cohesively on finding a trade.
From there, the Sixers engaged in trade talks surrounding Harden for approximately two months with little success. The lone team considered a legitimate contender to acquire Harden was the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, a deal between the two clubs failed to materialize, leading the Sixers to end all Harden trade talks and expecting the former league MVP in attendance at the start of training camp.
With a resentful star and limited trade options at their disposal, Philadelphia finds itself in a difficult spot. Harden's comments have inflated an already awkward situation. Parting ways prior to the start of the NBA season would be the best outcome for all parties involved. Yet, such a move is unlikely to happen.
The 33-year-old Harden continues to shine as one of the league's premier distributors, leading the NBA with 10.7 assists per game in 2022-23. However, he's no longer the dominant scoring threat he was earlier in his career. While still highly serviceable, Harden's 21.0 ppg scoring average over his 65-game tenure with the Sixers is 13.3 ppg fewer than his league-leading 34.3 ppg with the Houston Rockets in 2019-20.
With diminishing returns in the scoring department and a recent history of commitment issues — seeking his fourth team in as many years, Harden's current trade value doesn't match the name power that he brings.
More must-reads: