An Inquiry Against James Harden Is Initiated Post The Comment He Passed Against Daryl Morey

The NBA has opened an investigation into the reasons behind James Harden’s public statements labelling 76ers head of basketball operations Daryl Morey a “liar,” a source said.

An Inquiry Against James Harden Is Initiated Post The Comment He Passed Against Daryl Morey

The purpose of the league’s investigation is to establish whether James said he would start a holdout, which would be against the CBA, or whether he was referring to prior contractual conversations that might show the franchise violated the salary cap.

According to a report by ESPN, the league office “is believed to be pursuing an understanding of whether Harden was portending a holdout in 2023-24 in violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement — or had been referencing past contract discussions with the organization that might constitute salary cap circumvention, sources said.”

“As part of NBA probe into his “liar” comment, James told league investigators he was referring to Daryl Morey telling Harden he will trade him “quickly” following the $35.6 million opt-in for 2023-24, per sources. The 76ers’ stance now is they expect to keep Harden.” According to Charania.

If such remarks were made in response to the Sixers recently discontinuing active trade conversations, as Harden has reportedly privately stated, and not in reference to a pledge about any potential deal, neither the player nor the organization would have broken any NBA regulations.

James demanded a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, ideally to the Los Angeles Clippers, despite opting into a $35.6 million contract this season. However, league sources tell NBC Sports that the 76ers did engage a number of clubs in Harden trade negotiations this summer, including the Clippers. It is debatable how aggressively Morey truly pursued a deal.

“I’ve been patient all summer,” Harden added. “For me, it’s just focus on what I can control and get ready for the season.”

The following year, in 2022–203, Harden topped the NBA in assists, but he struggled in the postseason. By giving Harden, who will be 34 this month, a prolonged max contract, the Sixers didn’t want to jeopardize their immediate or long-term future.

 

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