James Harden recently had a horrible outburst against the Philadelphia 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations. Following yet another second-round playoff exit, the player was expecting the organization to offer him a multi-year deal. However, the Sixers had no intention to extend his stay just yet. Harden ended up settling for a player option worth $35.6 million valid through the 2023-24 season.
However, during his outburst at an Adidas event, James said, “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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.” It genuinely seems as if GM Daryl Morey had promised Harden something which hasn’t been fulfilled.
James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green reacted to James Harden’s comments saying, “There’s not many things that shock me in this world but to see a star player like James Harden, call out by name, Daryl Morey… Usually, you hear it from sources but to him speaking it, you can tell he’s agitated, he’s upset. It was shocking. But I do see both sides. As a player, I’m always going to side with the player not just because I’m a player, but I also don’t think he’s wrong.”
“I’m always going to side with the player not just because I’m a player, but I also don’t think he’s wrong. If you was promised something, I think you need to come through with that promise.”
Danny Green on James Harden’s comments on Daryl Morey 🗣️pic.twitter.com/ZHeZlCvwCk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 15, 2023
Green added, “If you were promised something, I think you need to come through with that promise. But I see the other side with Daryl Morey. I understand it’s a business. And GMs, they make a lot of decisions quickly in the heat of the moment… Maybe his hands are tied.” The veteran made sure to explain the situation on both sides. Green’s argument seems quite fair as Morey could potentially be struggling with contract issues at the moment.
Danny Green and James Harden were formerly teammates at Philadelphia
James Harden joined the 76ers just before the first half of the 2021-22 season concluded. He was previously with the Brooklyn Nets playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. However, the drama surrounding Irving eventually led to a divided locker room. James felt that the Nets weren’t as determined to compete for a title. That determination was what he thought he found with the Sixers.
Harden and Green played together during the latter half of the 2021-22 regular season and the playoffs. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game that season. Green was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies along with draft rights to David Roddy. The Sixer received De’Anthony Melton in return. Melton became an instant boost in their system averaging 10.1 points per game coming off the bench.