James Harden believes Sixers relationship is broken beyond repair
James Harden has been very vocal about how his feelings towards the Philadelphia 76ers organization–most notably general manager Daryl Morey, calling him a “liar” in China Monday–after news surfaced that trade talks between the Sixers and the Los Angeles Clippers were shut down Saturday.
In a recent interview with KHOU 11, a news organization based in Houston, Harden hinted at his relationship with the organization may be broken beyond repair.
“I think so,” Harden said when asked if it’s too late to repair the relationship between he and the organization. “I’ve been patient all summer … For me, it’s just focus on what I can control and getting ready for this season.”
Harden claimed he would “never be a part of an organization that [Morey]’s a part of” again. He signed a two-year, $68.6 million deal last offseason after declining a player option north of $47 million.
Since Harden wasn’t eligible for an extension, with neither side agreeing to a long-term extension, Harden opted into his $35.6 million player option ahead of the June opt-in deadline with the intention that he would eventually get traded to the Clippers. No deal is in sight, thus leading to Harden making this ugly–beginning by his comments Monday.
Harden cannot hold out for more than 30 days after the season starts if he wants to sign elsewhere next season without the Sixers’ consent next offseason, per the new CBA, according to ESPN cap insider Bobby Marks.
Morey has been more than comfortable in uncomfortable situations in the past–so I don’t expect him to feel any differently about this one. But does he really want to risk a disgruntled Harden entering training camp–expected to begin Oct. 3–on one of the best teams in the East with reigning MVP Joel Embiid and a new no-nonsense head coach Nick Nurse at the helm?
Time will tell, but this situation appears to be getting spicier instead of the inverse.
***
Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch
Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube
Check out the Vendetta Shop
Click here for more NBA content
