James Harden and Philadelphia Sixers suspend trade discussions, citing former MVP Daryl Morey's aversion and inconsistency

Posted : 14 August 2023

In a twist just moments ago, it appeared that the James Harden and Philadelphia narrative was on the cusp of resolution. The Sixers opted to suspend trade discussions concerning the bearded player, a move that seems geared toward beginning the upcoming season with him.

However, the former MVP exhibited a strong aversion to this decision. During a PR campaign in China, he was captured saying, "Daryl Morey is being untruthful and has shown inconsistency within the organizations he's been associated with. Allow me to reiterate: Daryl Morey is being untruthful and has shown inconsistency within the organizations he's been associated with."

This sentiment is almost astonishing considering their previous rapport, particularly over the past year. Murray was the individual responsible for bringing Harden to Houston, and this rapport reportedly played a pivotal role in Morey securing the position as general manager in Philadelphia. While the duo reunited with the Sixers, Morey's reluctance to offer the seasoned guard a maximum contract triggered a rupture, which escalated over the summer. A resolution remains elusive. According to Mark Stein, "We're embarking on an extended standoff since the Sixers are resolute in trading Harden only if the deal enhances their championship prospects." Presently, such a deal is not on the horizon.

Jason Dumas, a correspondent for Blitzer Report covering Philadelphia sports, tweeted, "Harden's comments have had no sway on Daryl Morey. He steadfastly upholds his position and will only trade if it bolsters Philadelphia's standing. Harden's agents advised against his remarks."

"The personal element is undeniable," analyzed Mark Spears of ESPN. "There's a distinction between discontent with the team and the circumstances, and what Harden expressed. Daryl Morey played a significant role in Harden's accomplishments. James was well aware that his statements would reverberate. Now, it has become a personal matter, and that's what has left everyone astounded. Accusing Daryl Morey of dishonesty? After all they've shared? It's transcended mere basketball."

Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated contributed, "When Harden labels Morey as dishonest, he is possibly referencing two scenarios — Murray pledged a substantial contract post the previous summer's contract modification, then reneged; Murray concurred to trade Harden, only to consider bringing him back to training camp. In either scenario, there's a clash between a player accustomed to having his wishes fulfilled and a seasoned GM accustomed to navigating challenging situations."

Journalist Pablo Torre chimed in, "Damian Lillard should take note — that's the way to handle it. Stirring up a major commotion. Adam Silver ought to be concerned about situations like these — how do you address a scenario where one of your most prominent players doesn't appear for training camp and accuses his GM of dishonesty? A resolution will need to be found."

Entering the discourse later in the evening was Harden's teammate from Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving. In response to a tweet by ESPN journalist Adrian Wojernowski that "a disgruntled Harden is labeling Daryl Morey as dishonest," Irving posted: "Is he merely disgruntled, Adrian? Or does he hold Murray accountable for the lack of honesty and transparency regarding contract extensions in the summer?"

James Harden and Philadelphia Sixers suspend trade discussions, citing former MVP Daryl Morey's aversion and inconsistency

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