The times are ugly for the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden, a vital player in their lineup, recently declared he is done with the organization due to one individual – Daryl Morey. Yes, the same NBA GM is believed to be the reason Harden came to Philly in the first place. Their relationship began when The Beard joined the Houston Rockets. Eventually rising to MVP status, they were a power couple of the NBA.
Both Morey and Harden regularly saw eye to eye. However, their bond seems fractured now after Harden openly called him a ‘liar’ during his trip to China. Their partnership might come to a destructive end. But there was a time Morey dished out major praise for his MVP.
Daryl Morey admitted James Harden changed his life
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NBA fans remember the vintage James Harden donned in red. He was a scoring phenom on the Houston Rockets. Arguably spending his prime years with the organization, the NBA TOP 75 player carved out his legacy as one of the greatest offensive players in the history of the league. Right by his side, supporting him and watching his marvelous rise was Daryl Morey.
As the Rockets general manager, he formed a close bond with the 10-time All-Star. The duo was responsible for shaping the Rockets into contenders each season. Additionally, Morey also met Beard’s demands. He brought in teammates such as Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and even Dwight Howard.
They seemed unshakeable. Unfortunately, three years ago Morey stepped down as the GM of the Rockets. An entire page of the newspaper relayed the sad news to the city. He dedicated a gracious message to the fans and Houston. However, none of the words were as powerful as his claiming Harden changed his life.
"James Harden changed my life. An entire page could be dedicated to James.” — when Morey left Houston
This certainly aged pic.twitter.com/AhoL6cQbMk
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) August 14, 2023
“James Harden changed my life. An entire page could be dedicated just to James. He not only transformed my life but he also revolutionized the game of basketball – and continues to do so – like almost no one has before,” he said.
It was a testament to the cherished dynamic the two shared. Harden would quickly feel the absence, asking for a trade only a couple of seasons later. Somehow, fate linked them back together when the three-time scoring champion decided to join Morey in Philadelphia.
They resumed their ways, with Harden making major sacrifices. Last season, he took a team-friendly deal allowing Morey and the Sixers to add ammunition to compete for the title. Unfortunately, it didn’t transcend as they manifested it. But it wasn’t the end of the line. Or so the fans thought.
What changed in the brief time between their playoff exit and the offseason?
Why Harden is adamant about leaving the Sixers
Following his sacrifices, Harden was eligible for a max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He wanted a long-term extension. However, Daryl Morey made it difficult when he hesitated in living up to his end of the deal. For months, there were trade talks of Harden possibly joining the Los Angeles Clippers.
The latest update stated the Sixers want him to opt into his $35 million player option as they actively seek a trade for him. This obviously angered James Harden. It felt like a stab in the back of one from his closest associates.
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
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During his recent getaway to China, the question of his Philly future loomed in the air. And Harden didn’t flinch when speaking his heart out.
“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,” he said in front of a packed crowd.
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His saying it twice cements his disdain for being an accomplice to Morey. His future is not foggy. Fans are scratching their heads pondering what Harden will do for the upcoming season. Will he skip training camp if he isn’t traded? Or will the pair find a way back?