Getty Image / Tim Nwachukwu
The NBA have stepped in and officially given James Harden a fine over the comments he’s made about Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey.
This drama between Harden and Morey doesn’t seem to be ending soon and this fine doesn’t help the situation in Philly.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA is fining James Harden a whopping $100,000 “for his recent comments referring to franchise president Daryl Morey as a ‘liar.'”
The NBA is fining Sixers star James Harden $100,000 for his recent comments referring to franchise president Daryl Morey as a “liar,” sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2023
Shortly after the announcement was made, the league explained exactly why they felt it was necessary to fine Harden $100K.
Wojnarowski reports that Harden’s comments “touched on the league’s rules concerning public trade demands.”
For the league’s purposes on the fine, Harden’s comments that he would never be part of an organization that included Morey played a bigger part in the fine, sources said. It touched on the league’s rules concerning public trade demands. https://t.co/AZxe6kKpNv
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2023
Make of that what you will. But this saga doesn’t seem like it’s going to end anytime soon.
James Harden turned heads not long ago when he publicly called out the 76ers President during a tour in China.
It was a wild moment, as Harden repeated himself twice to make sure the message was heard.
James Harden on his China tour: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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.” 😳 pic.twitter.com/oaqVjXkax6
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 14, 2023
So, now that the NBA has fined James Harden, maybe he’ll stop trashing the 76ers organization.
Obviously, Harden wants to be traded, but as of right now, it’s hard to imagine which team is even interested.
Especially considering the veteran guard has requested a trade in each of the last three years.
We’re still a couple of months away from the regular season and anything can happen. Harden is one to watch as trade rumors continue to swirl.
At the end of the day, this is a messy situation for both James Harden and the 76ers. Hopefully, it gets resolved sooner, rather than later.