Author: Monojit Mandal
The ongoing animosity between the Philadelphia 76ers and their star point guard, James Harden, has taken a new turn, with rumors circulating that the NBA may intervene to resolve the intensifying conflict. Harden’s dissatisfaction with the organization and its president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, created a tense atmosphere that sparked the league’s interest.
According to Sports Illustrated, NBA insider Marc Stein clarified the matter. According to Stein, there are more and more requests within the NBA to examine the conduct of the Philadelphia 76ers to find out if Daryl Morey did in fact cheat on Harden. “If Harden’s allegations are true, implying that the Sixers made certain contractual commitments last summer – a position the team vehemently denies – then the league will face serious consequences.”
The apparent failure to offer Harden a long-term maximum contract seems to be the cause of the conflict. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden, 33, is unhappy that Morey hasn’t made a significant offer. Harden deliberately took a $15 million pay cut to sign a $33 million contract with the Sixers for the 2022-23 season, declining his $47.4 million player option.
Rumors of a growing rift between Harden and Morey first surfaced in June, when Harden activated a $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season and then expressed his desire to be transferred, with the Los Angeles Clippers emerging as his preferred destination.
In an unusual twist, Harden openly accused Morey of deception. During a press conference with Adidas Basketball in China, Harden called Morey a “liar”. Harden stated vehemently in a video obtained by Shams Charania of The Athletic: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I’ll never be part of an organization he’s part of“. He also said that a reunion with the Sixers was unlikely: “I think so. All summer, I’ve been waiting. For me, the important thing is to focus on what I can manage and prepare for this season.”
Meanwhile, the Sixers have reportedly ended trade negotiations with Harden and are preparing to welcome him back for the next training camp and season. As temperatures rise, the NBA may find itself in a position where it has to deal with the growing feud between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers.