PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For the second time in three seasons, there is a lot of drama heading into Sixers training camp.
James Harden, in a video that surfaced from The Athletic’s Shams Charania Monday morning, vowed never to play for Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey ever again.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden told a group of fans.
Harden made the comment during an Adidas marketing event in Shanghai, China.
When this year’s free agency period began, Harden opted into the final year of his contract with the Sixers, then requested a trade. He was reportedly unhappy with the way the Sixers front office — led by Morey — handled his contract situation after he took less money this past season.
Morey and Harden have a long history together, dating back to their many years with the Houston Rockets. Morey brought Harden to Philadelphia in 2022, trading then-disgruntled Ben Simmons to Brooklyn.
Morey and Harden have always appeared to be close, but it seems like the bridge has been broken.
Over the weekend, multiple reports surfaced that the Sixers and Clippers broke off trade talks about Harden. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported Harden will hold out of the Sixers’ upcoming training camp.
The Sixers have made it clear that they won’t trade Harden unless the return makes sense for them and their championship aspirations with Joel Embiid in his prime.