Day: August 22, 2023

James Harden has received a $100,000 fine by the NBA for his comments directed toward Daryl Morey and publicly requesting a trade.

Harden called Morey “a liar” and that he would never play for a franchise that also employs Morey ever again during an event in China.

The NBA investigated the reason for Harden’s comments and he reportedly said it stemmed from Morey agreeing to “quickly” trade him this offseason after his opt-in.

Harden opted into his $35.6 million contract with the Sixers on the eve of free agency and has been seeking a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, but no deal between the two sides has materialized.

Under the CBA, the NBA can fine a player a maximum of $100,000.

Josh Harris said the Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to work on convincing James Harden to remain with the franchise for the 23-24 season after they’ve been unable to find a workable trade.

“Listen, we’re hard at work,” Harris said Monday. “I respect James. I want to, obviously, accommodate what he wants. At the same time, I have to think about a championship-contending team, what we can get back. I’d love to convince him to stay. I understand that that’s not what he wants to do right now.

“I’m going to keep working to resolve it in a way that everyone can live with and is positive for everyone, whatever that resolution is. … I respect him as a basketball player, and as a person. It’s back to, these are, you’re dealing with people, right? And you’ve got to be there. We’ll see where it comes out.”

Harden attempted to increase the pressure on the Sixers to trade him by calling Daryl Morey “a liar” during an event in China.

The Sixers told Harden they intend for him to report to camp after the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly moved on from trade talks.