Despite $100K Penalty, James Harden Remains $7,628,466 Away From 2023?24 NBA Season?s Most-Fined Player

James Harden has had a tough offseason so far, lined with uncertainty. After forcing his way out of the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets, the point guard now wants to be dealt away from the Philadelphia 76ers. He went on record to criticize the president of basketball operations of the 76ers during a promotional event in China. He called Daryl Morey a “liar” twice and swore to never be a part of a team that Morey is associated with.

Following his remarks, the NBA fined him $100k for making “public trade demands” and refusing to represent the Sixers in the upcoming season. Despite the fine, Harden is still $7,628,466 away from the 2023?24 NBA season?s most-fined player.

Ja Morant surpasses James Harden to become the Most-Fined Player

Ja Morant found himself caught up in several controversial incidents last season. First, he went live on Instagram and flashed a firearm in March, which culminated in an eight-game suspension. Although he was not charged with a crime, the suspension resulted from ?conduct detrimental to the league.? This eight-game suspension cost him $669,000 in salary. Hot on the heels of this loss came another suspension.

The Memphis Grizzlies guard suffered a 25-game suspension after a video of him holding a handgun was streamed online. As he was making $33.5 million this season, the 24-year-old will lose over $300k per game and $7,728,466.00 in total, making him the most fined player this season.

Morant is not permitted to participate in any public league or team activity, including preseason games. Therefore, the 2x NBA All-Star did not attend the Grizzlies’ media day on Monday. However, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman stated that Ja will be traveling with the team and participating in private team activities and practices. Morant is coming off a season where he averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds.

Therefore, if he plays his cards right, he has the potential to take the team to great heights. The Grizzlies will open the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 25. Morant will return for the Grizzlies’s game 26 on December 23 against the Atlanta Hawks.

James Harden’s long-standing trade saga

While most of the off-season dust has settled, the James Harden saga wages on. The only franchise that has been at the forefront of this trade is the Los Angeles Clippers. Fortunately, the Clippers are also Harden’s preferred destination. Despite that, a trade has not yet materialized, since the Clippers do not have any impressive young players to throw into the mix. Following his trade request, the 10x NBA All-Star skipped the 76ers media day.

Addressing the James Harden trade fiasco, Daryl Morey said, ?”[James Harden] He’s not here today. He continues to seek a trade, and we’re working with his representation to resolve that in the best way for the 76ers and, hopefully, all parties.”?If the point guard keeps withholding his services, he might receive sterner punishments and even heavier fines, as per the new CBA.

Read More: After Ditching 76ers? Media Day, $165M Rich James Harden Set to Be Slapped With a Hefty 6-Figure Fine

How do you reckon the James Harden trade situation will turn out? Will he get a chance to play this season? Let us know in the comments!

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