The NBA is punishing James Harden a $100,000 fine in connection to his recent controversial statement of calling Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey a “liar”, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In the memo released by the NBA, Harden was also fined due to his public comments noting that he won’t play for a team which he has a player contract with.
In his Adidas China tour this mid-August, Harden notably ranted and also declared that he won’t participate in a team that has current ties with Morey.
“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 that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team,” the league said in a statement.
“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.”
Harden’s tirade against Morey came out a day after the 76ers decided to pull him out of the market after failing to meet his trade request with the L.A. Clippers as his preferred destination.
Harden opted in to his 2023-24 player option worth $35.6MM, but eventually filed his demand to get traded after being disgruntled to his failed free agency wishes. His relationship with Morey reportedly collapsed, as their unrepairable partnership reached the apex up to this point that Harden called him out in front of the public.
More to come.
