Daryl Morey reportedly ‘unmoved’ by James Harden’s outburst

Daryl Morey reportedly ‘unmoved’ by James Harden’s outburst

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden set the internet ablaze Monday after sounding off on general manager Daryl Morey, calling him “a liar” and vowing to never play in any organization with Morey in charge ever again.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jason Dumas, Morey was unfazed by Harden’s remarks, also claiming that Harden’s agent (Jason Ranne, Chafie Fields, per Spotrac) advised him not to make the comments he made.

“Source: Daryl Morey is unmoved by James’ comments,” Dumas tweeted Monday. “He is holding firm in his stance that he will not trade him unless it makes the Sixers a better team. Meanwhile, I’m told James’ agent advised him against making that statement.”

Source: Daryl Morey is unmoved by James’ comments. He is holding firm in his stance that he will not trade him unless it makes the Sixers a better team.

Meanwhile, I’m told James’ agent advised him against making that statement.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) August 14, 2023

Here were Harden’s full comments made Monday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

“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.”

James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023

Ahead of the June 30 opt-in deadline, the 33-year-old opted into his $35.6 million player option with the intention of requesting a trade to only the Los Angeles Clippers. Those discussions were quiet for weeks, prompting Morey to end trade discussions Saturday.

Harden signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal offseason–well below market value–after opting out of a player option worth north of $47 million to create additional flexibility. By doing so, Harden was not eligible for an extension, but he could have theoretically opted out and signed a four-year extension worth over $200 million, though neither side went that direction.

If the seven-time All-NBA honoree wants to play elsewhere next season without the Sixers’ consent, he will not be able to hold out for more than 30 days after the season starts, according to ESPN cap insider Bobby Marks.

Here’s the CBA language for Withholding Services:

Withholding services: A player who withholds playing services called for by a Player Contract for more than thirty (30) days after the start of the last Season covered by his Player Contract shall be deemed not to have… https://t.co/EEJkn73LZG

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 14, 2023

You can’t help but wonder how this all affects Joel Embiid‘s future in Philadelphia, but that’s a different discussion for a different day. It appears that neither Harden nor Morey are going to blink anytime soon.

Training camp for all NBA Teams playing preseason basketball in the States open on Oct. 3, while the 2023-24 regular season tips off on Oct. 24.

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