James Harden Calls Daryl Morey a “Liar”

James Harden probably won’t stay in Philadelphia after today’s media event in China. The star guard called the 76ers’ president, Daryl Morey, a “liar” vowing that he won’t be a part of the same franchise as Morey.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden told the media. “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.”

This bomb comes only two days following the news that the 76ers have stopped all trade talks involving James Harden. At the time, the insiders had the intel about Harden’s appearance at the training camp, suggesting that the former NBA MVP is going to prepare for the next campaign with the team.

James Harden: “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/AmHJ0WwbF2

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023

So far, there isn’t any official confirmation of why all this happened, but it appears that the decision to stop exploring trade options for Harden made the star angry. There were various speculations about his future this summer, but the most realistic one included his departure from Philly to another team.

Harden’s preferable destination was LA, as he wanted to join the Clippers and try to attack the title with them. In the meantime, the player agreed to pick up his $35.6 million player option, which would make his trade situation easier.

The Clippers showed an interest in Harden, but the Sixers’ asking price was way too high, forcing the LA franchise to back out from talks, leaving the player in Philly.

One other reason why Harden went furious on Morey is the fact that the Sixers’ president didn’t give him a long-term max-level contract. One of the key causes for the players’ arrival from Brooklyn to Philly was Morey, who built a relationship with Harden during their stay in Houston while being the Rockets’ general manager. The Beard didn’t hide that in his interviews.

Nobody knows what happens next after this. It is quite possible for Harden to sit out as long as needed to force his trade. Philadelphia was one of the top contenders after he came, but the Sixers’ performances in the playoffs were pale. The head coach Doc Rivers was eventually fired because of that.

Harden’s teammate and this year’s NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, failed to show up when needed the most, and the team underachieved in the most significant moments. The chemistry on and off the court isn’t that great for the Sixers, and today’s incident surely won’t be of any good for the locker room.

James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

James Harden and Daryl Moreys relationship went from that to this in the space of 3 years. Basketball is a crazy business. Sad to see.

[🎥:@XuanwongMilan] pic.twitter.com/Py4n8K6okv

— arj (@hooparj) August 14, 2023

Embiid was calling out teammates after a failed playoff run, he is constantly accusing everyone around him for bad results, and even the fans have started to dislike some of his comments.

The team now has a new head coach, Nick Nurse, who won the title with the Toronto Raptors back in 2019. He will have a lot to deal with until the start of the year, maybe to even cut some top stars who obviously can’t bring the title to Pennsylvania. Still, there are talks that the front office isn’t allowing any significant changes on the roster, especially those including Embiid, Harden, or Maxey.

It seems that today’s development could cause massive consequences, not only for the 76ers but the entire league. Harden could be traded, which could lead to a chain reaction.