Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden called his own teamâs president Daryl Morey âa liarâ in a surprising attack amid ongoing trade speculation surrounding the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player.
âDaryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that heâs a part of,â Harden said during an event in China. âLet me say that again, Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that heâs a part of.â
Footage of Hardenâs comments has been widely circulated on social media. The comments were in response to a question from the crowd about ending trade talks, according to NBA.com.
When approached by CNN for comment, a member of the Sixers organization with knowledge of the situation said: âMorey was not surprised by Hardenâs commentary and his attempt to make things personal given that Hardenâs agents had warned they may take that approach when Morey notified them that he was unable to find a suitable trade deal.â
Harden has reportedly made it clear to the 76ers that he wants to be traded this offseason following another disappointing playoff exit last season.
According to multiple media reports, including from ESPNâs Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers have spent the majority of the offseason looking to facilitate the 33-year-oldâs wishes.
Wojnarowski reported on Saturday that the team broke off trade talks and expected Harden to return to training camp.
Preseason games for the upcoming 2023/24 season begin on October 2.
âHarden has been emphatic in wanting a trade, so the Sixers are setting up an uncomfortable situation to start camp. Ultimately, Philadelphia wouldnât make a trade that they believed would compromise their title hopes,â Wojnarowski posted on social media on Saturday.
Sixers president Morey was general manager of the Houston Rockets when the 10-time All Star played there.
Harden has previously pushed to be moved from his former teams: the Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets.
In 2021, he was traded to the Nets after saying the Rockets were âjust not good enoughâ following an underwhelming playoff exit.
Just over a year later, he was traded to the 76ers from the Nets after rumours of his desire to leave Brooklyn had surfaced.