James Harden finds himself in a difficult situation, with his franchise Philadelphia 76ers. The star point guard’s wants a trade away from the team after the relationship with Sixers’ President for basketball operations, Daryl Morey dwindled. Harden even went on a explosive rant about him during his Tour in China.
Advertisement
After his return to Houston for a weekend camp, Harden talked about his relationship with the 76ers in an interview with KHOU 11. From the interview, it seems like it’s too late for the Sixers to mend things, as Harden has already made up his mind against the franchise. If Harden refuses to tender his services for the team, he might face a risk of being fined $389,000 per game missed, by the Sixers.
This situation is much reminiscent of that of Ben Simmons with the Sixers during the 2021-22 season. Simmons had to pay almost $19 million in fines, after being charged $360,000 per game missed. Seems like Harden might face a greater blow, with both his career income and playing time now seeming in perils.
James Harden calls it too late for repairing the relationship between him and the Sixers’ management
James Harden recently went on a tour to China, before returning to Houston for his weekend camp. Currently, Harden is partnering in the 6th Annual JH-Town Charity Weekend, scheduled from August 18th to 20th. During this event, a reporter from KHOU 11 caught hold of Harden to discuss his situation at Philadelphia and his dwindling relationship with Daryl Morey. Reiterating his stance once again, Harden said:
Harden: “I’m just, I’ve been patient all summer, so for me, it’s just a focus on what I can control and that’s, you know, working out, staying in shape and getting ready for a good season.”
Reporter: “Too late to repair the relationship?”
Harden: “I think so.”
Harden’s situation with the Philadelphia 76ers now seems to be stickier than ever. As AP reported, Harden recently picked his $35,600,000 extension with the Sixers, in hopes of being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. But that does not seem to be happening. The Sixers’ management believes that having Harden on the roster gives them a greater chance of winning an NBA ring.
As of now, the Sixers’ front office is still working their way out to secure the services of the star guard.
Former Golden State Warriors star Andre Iguodala backs James Harden’s comments in China
James Harden’s statement against Daryl Morey in China ignited a frenzy within the NBA community. In a promotional event, Harden publicly accused Morey to be a ‘liar’ and decided to restrain his services for the Sixers. While everyone is in split views about Harden’s stance, Stephen Curry’s former teammate Andre Iguodola has come in support of the 2018 MVP. Here is what Iguodala said in Gilbert Arenas’ podcast.
“Daryl Morey has a history with China, where he can say something and the backlash from what he says may not be any because there is a history with Morey and China. So it was a great move out of leverage by James. It is going to be hard to discipline James because what did he wrong. And James is going to sell some shoes.”
In 2019, Daryl Morey created controversy by supporting Hong Kong’s freedom movement against China. Currently, James Harden is trying to leverage his position in China to express his concerns about his team. Since there won’t be any cross-examination like in the United States, Harden’s comments were considered all fair and square by Andre Iguodala.
