NBA superstar James Harden has sent shockwaves through the basketball world with his recent verbal assault on Philadelphia 76ers’ president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey. Harden, currently on a promotional tour in China, didn’t mince words, labeling Morey a “liar” and declaring that he would never play for any team associated with him.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said Monday. “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.”
It’s unclear what elicited Harden’s outburst, but the timing of Harden’s remarks seems questionable. The 76ers reportedly had ceased trade discussions involving the star guard just last week. Talks with the Los Angeles Clippers had fallen apart, leading to speculation that the 76ers were planning to retain Harden. His decision to opt into the final year of his contract for $35.6 million suggested that he hoped to be traded elsewhere, with Philadelphia conspicuously absent from his social media.
Harden’s comments were made in a place with its own historical context for Morey. Back in 2019, when Daryl Morey was an executive with the Houston Rockets, he ignited a huge controversy by posting a pro-Hong Kong message in the midst of violent protests against a proposed extradition law in China.
This move led to strained relations between the NBA and China, with advertisements for NBA games being taken down. The Rockets were in Japan at that time. Harden, among other team members, distanced themselves from Morey’s tweets, expressing love for China and appreciation for the support they received from the Chinese fan base.
Morey subsequently issued an apology, yet the NBA’s ties with China remained strained. Harden’s current comments against Morey in the same country, where a prior controversy occurred, adds to the story. Though Harden’s claim invoked cheers in the audience from the crowd, the 76ers now face potential consequences of Harden’s actions.
This unexpected twist heightens the excitement for an already captivating NBA offseason, building up the anticipation for the upcoming season; as well as the twists and turns of Harden’s journey.
