James Harden addressed the media after rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers and expressed his belief that his relationship with Daryl Morey couldn’t be repaired.
James Harden asked if there is any chance of reconciliation with Daryl Morey
“No.” pic.twitter.com/Ha9v9ImcPz
— Law Murray 🧭 (@LawMurrayTheNU) March 28, 2024
Harden compared losing trust in someone to a failed marriage.
He referred to Morey as “the front office” and highlighted their close ties since Morey traded for him 11 years ago.
Harden went on to achieve remarkable success with the Houston Rockets. However, their relationship soured after the Sixers’ loss to the Boston Celtics in the playoffs, and communication ceased.
Despite requesting a trade to the LA Clippers, Harden’s wish had not yet been granted. When asked about his desire to be traded, he directed the question to the front office.
After missing media day and the team’s first practice, he rejoined the 76ers and had been participating in practices since.
The situation surrounding Harden’s return remained uncertain, with both the team and players unsure of his plans on a daily or long-term basis.
James Harden expressed his disdain for Daryl Morey, former president of the Philadelphia 76ers, but maintained his admiration for the team’s new head coach, Nick Nurse.
Harden praised Nurse’s versatility and adaptability as a coach and commended the conversations they have had since Nurse took over.
Harden also praised Nurse’s system, highlighting its focus on spacing and unpredictability.
Regarding Morey, Harden has not changed his stance. He stated that the front office did not envision him retiring as a Sixer when he was traded to the Philadelphia team in February 2022.
However, Harden is now focusing on the present and his plan to play the upcoming season.
The tension between Harden and Morey stemmed from a broken promise.
When Harden signed a team-friendly contract to allow the Sixers to sign other players, Morey assured him of a max contract the following summer.
However, Morey failed to follow through on his promise, leading to Harden calling him a liar and requesting a trade.
Harden highlighted the lack of communication from Morey, which made him understand that he needed to make decisions that were best for himself and his family.
According to reports, the reason behind the lack of communication between James Harden and Daryl Morey was due to the Philadelphia 76ers receiving penalties from the league for engaging in free agency talks with other players.
However, Harden claims that Morey did talk to his representation about a max contract before the playoffs started last season.
Harden opted into the final year of his deal with the Sixers and simultaneously requested a trade, expressing frustration over the extended timeline of the situation.
Harden mentions that he had sacrificed financially for the team but felt that the promises made to him were not fulfilled.
He believes that better communication between him and Morey could have improved their relationship.
Harden also stated that he has not reached out or spoken to Morey since the trade, citing lost respect, loyalty, and a significant amount of money as reasons for not engaging with him.
Harden felt betrayed by Morey’s lack of contact and publicly stated that he would never be part of an organization that Morey is involved in.
The NBA fined him $100,000 for his comments.
Harden concludes that there is no possibility of repairing his relationship with Morey due to the aforementioned reasons.
Despite the strained relationship with Morey, Harden holds respect for Nurse and is focused on his basketball career.
The fallout with Morey was a result of broken promises and a breakdown in communication between them.
Fans reacted as follows:
Why are you asking this. Its got nothing to do with us.
The questions should be, "How do we improve on this performance?"
— ML (@BBallFutbolSpot) March 28, 2024
It’s going to be funny when Harden’s career is almost over and he’s looking for someone to throw a vet minimum his way, and the only GM calling is Morey
— Three Level Scorer (@3LevelScorer) March 28, 2024
I don’t blame him dude promise him a max then ghosted him.
— Albert S-S (@AlbertS004) March 28, 2024
Nigga said “hell no”🤣🤣🤣
— 🤒 (@Uptown_nabi) March 28, 2024
This nigga James CBFW?
— KelWrld (@luhkelburner) March 28, 2024
Harden said No before the questioned even finished 😂
— V🦎 (@_7Sonny) March 28, 2024
