Sixers News: James Harden 'Privately' Explains Recent Comments

The NBA is looking into the James Harden saga out in Philadelphia.

The NBA has kept a close eye on two player-organization standoffs across the league this offseason. The situation involving the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard caused the NBA to step in and issue a statement to each team to make it clear that Lillard’s representatives weren’t using ethical tactics to force a trade this summer.

Now, the NBA is reportedly “launching an inquiry” to check out the Philadelphia 76ers’ current situation involving the team’s All-Star guard, James Harden.

On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the NBA will look into the Harden situation following his “public admonishment” of the team’s President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey. The decision to do so comes just a few days after Harden called out Morey during a Q&A session while out in China.

"Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said last weekend. “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.”

Considering the NBA’s previous attempt to investigate the Sixers for multiple reasons last year, the league is now working to determine whether Harden’s accusations involve illegal negotiating tactics. 

When Harden decided to decline his contract option for the 2022-2023 season, he made it clear that he would still return to the 76ers. When Harden re-signed on a two-year deal, he took a pay cut compared to his previous salary and market value.

The league eventually launched an investigation into Harden and the Sixers, as there was some speculation that a “wink-wink” deal took place. The assumption was that Harden re-signed with the Sixers on a discounted short-term deal with a promised long-term contract off the books waiting for him. Not only did the Sixers deny that was the case, but the NBA’s investigation found no wrongdoing on Philadelphia’s front for that scenario. 

While Harden wasn’t specific about what made Morey a “liar” in his eyes, he privately cleared up his concerns more specifically, according to Wojnarowski.

“Harden has privately indicated that his public comments calling Morey a ‘liar’ on Monday morning had only been a response to Morey ending trade discussions with an expectation that Harden would start the season with the Sixers,” Wojnarowski wrote. “Harden has made no allegations of a previous handshake agreement with the Sixers on a future contract,” the insider added.

Last week, the Sixers made it clear that they didn’t plan to discuss any potential deals further with the Los Angeles Clippers, which is Harden’s desired landing spot. While the Clippers could open talks back up by getting closer to Morey’s asking price with their offer, LA hasn’t shown a willingness to do so. Therefore, the Sixers are prepared to go into training camp with Harden on the roster.

Whether the ten-time All-Star will be present or not is a different story. Although it was reported earlier on in the offseason that Harden wouldn’t hold out, his recent comments have painted a different picture. Soon, we’ll see if that changes.