James Harden, a 10-time All-Star guard, has taken a strong position against Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey in the wake of news that the team had ended trade talks involving him just two days earlier.
Harden recently addressed the media at an Adidas event in China by saying, “Daryl Morey’s reputation is doubtful, and I am firm in my choice to disassociate myself from any enterprise he is connected with. I’ll say it again: “Daryl Morey’s integrity is in doubt, and I am determined to distance myself from any organization he is associated with.”
According to a recent report by dependable ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers have developed a strategy to reintegrate Harden into their training camp and the start of the upcoming season, laying the groundwork for a potentially awkward scenario involving the displeased superstar.
Periodic discussions between the Sixers and the LA Clippers—Harden’s favorite team—took place during the winter, but according to trustworthy sources, no significant progress was made in terms of a workable trade agreement.
In response to Harden’s request, the Sixers showed a readiness to look into trade possibilities, especially when he decided to exercise his player option for the upcoming season, which will pay him a massive $35.6 million. However, the Sixers’ value turned out to be disproportionately high, deterring possible trading partners, including the Clippers, from starting any official negotiations, insiders said.
Reliable sources indicate that the basis of Harden’s displeasure with Morey is the absence of a lucrative, long-term contract offer. The possibility remains that Harden’s reintegration into the training camp atmosphere may not be equivalent to a group championship attitude, which might be detrimental to the team’s objectives. Notably, Morey was the acclaimed general manager of Houston for the whole eight-season run of Harden’s time with the Rockets.
With Harden’s comeback and Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber play at center, Philadelphia’s organization has high hopes for its chances of winning the championship. Sources close to the situation confirm that the team is clearly devoted to the cause and that they are determined to work through the difficulties of this position and come to an amicable agreement with Harden for the future season.