James Harden’s Trade Request Is Rejected By 76ers, At Odds With Team President Daryl Morey

Only a few days after the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly denied James Harden’s request to be traded, the star guard had some choice words for team president Daryl Morey.

James Harden’s Trade Request Is Rejected By 76ers, At Odds With Team President Daryl Morey

During a press conference for Adidas on Monday in China, Harden expressed his opinions towards Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.

The conflict between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers has been one of the largest this offseason. The Beard has asked to be traded out of Philadelphia because he is dissatisfied with the Sixers’ hesitation to provide him with a lucrative contract.

But despite reports that he might join the Rockets again or play for the Clippers in his native Los Angeles, his pleas have been denied. Harden won’t be leaving the 76ers, according to GM Daryl Morey.

Harden was asked by an individual in the crowd, “What do you think about the current team claiming to end trade talks and trying to bring you back to the team?” His answer was more than candid.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said. “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.”

In the past two years, James Harden has been quite inconsistent with the clubs he has played for. He requested a trade from the Houston Rockets in 2021 since they no longer appeared to be a title contender.

Then, after only one season with the Brooklyn Nets, he transferred to Philadelphia due to locker-room troubles. And now, angry that he hasn’t been offered a fresh, massive deal, he wants out once more.

Both Harden and the 76ers don’t have many choices available to them. There aren’t many places where Harden could land that would make sense for them to retain their status as a title contender while also bringing back star-level players.

The 76ers’ extreme predicament is being made clear to other clubs by their very public turmoil. Given that this is Harden’s third request for a trade in the last three seasons, clubs must be wary about doing so.

In the summer of 2024, Harden is expected to become a free agent. However, in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, if he missed the 2023–24 season, his free agency would be delayed.

Simply put, if Harden refused to sign, he would remain under contract with the 76ers for the upcoming season until they specifically agreed to let him become a free agency.

 

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