Millionaire James Harden Gets Real on Role of Money in Career: “These Last Few Years, I Sacrificed So Much…”

James Harden was at the center of scrutiny by the entire league after demanding an exit from the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers’ guard went to lengths to make sure he got what he wanted. When he first asked for the exit, he listed the Clippers as his preferred destination. Since then, there have been speculations about Harden wanting to join the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook in hopes of winning the elusive Larry O’Brien Trophy.

However, in a recent interview with the Athletic, James Harden got up close and personal about the LA Clippers deal and the importance of money in his career.

James Harden: Unplugged

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Harden divulged his honest thoughts about what he was looking for in his new home. For him, there are only two things that take center stage: winning and money. When asked about his thought process behind settling on Clippers, the millionaire stated, “It was about trying to get to a situation where I could get paid and obviously have a chance to win at the highest level. These last few years, I sacrificed so much — whether it’s role, whether it’s financial — that, at this point, it’s over with.”

Harden’s emphasis on the financial aspect alludes to Daryl Morey’s failure to keep his promise. Interestingly, this is what caused their fallout. This also explains James Harden’s infamous Daryl Morey public callout. Earlier in the offseason, Harden went on record to call Morey a “liar” during a promotional event in China. But what did Morey lie about?

Harden reveals the real reason for divorce with Daryl Morey

When asked if Harden was promised a max contract by the Sixers, James responded with an emphatic, “Yeah.” He then confirmed that it was indeed Daryl Morey who promised him the supermax extension. However, after the Sixers’ playoff exit, the team closed all communication with their point guard. Harden was quick to catch on and subsequently took action to cover for himself. Therefore, he planned a strategic exit from the team, which the Sixers earlier agreed would be a 10-day process. However, the James Harden trade saga, as we know it, continued to drag on for four and a half months.

Read More: James Harden Urges “Frustrated” Russell Westbrook to Continue Major Sacrifice For 1 Reason

Speaking on his fallout with Morey, the 10x NBA All-Star commented, “But instead of (Morey) having a conversation with me (about free agency) or saying, ‘All right James, we don’t want to offer you this, but we have this.’ Then we go back and forth, and that’s a dialogue. But you just ice me out? Then it’s like, you don’t respect me as much as I thought you did.”

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What are your thoughts on this whole ordeal? Let us know in the comments!