James Harden’s Camp Believed Sixers’ Best Offer Would Be Two-Year Deal With Team Option

James Harden hasn’t spoken with Daryl Morey in months and he’s told associates he doesn’t intend to speak to him ever again, sources tell ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

Harden sought a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers since June and finally succeeded this week when he was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers. As Harden sought an exit, he publicly called Morey “a liar,” which spoke to his level of frustration with the executive he had a close bond with dating back to his trade to the Houston Rockets in 2012.

According to league sources, Harden and his camp became convinced Morey only intended to offer him a two-year deal, with a team option on the second season if he declined his $35.6 million player option.

The Sixers insisted they would make him a strong offer as soon as they were allowed to.

Harden was skeptical and decided to opt in to preserve his Bird rights and ask for a trade. Harden believed it would happen quickly, which led to his “liar” comments.