?Soft as F*ck?: After Being Slapped With a 6-Figure Fine, $165 Million Rich James Harden Receives Aid From NBA World

James Harden is a 10x All-Star and a 3x Scoring champion. Even after playing 14 seasons in the NBA, he is still in great shape in terms of fitness and performance. But Harden is not happy with his current team and has expressed that multiple times. In many interviews, he has shown his distress about his team, the Philadelphia 76ers, with an intent of getting drafted to another team. But this time, Harden took an extreme measure by insulting the franchise president Daryl Morey on a public platform.

The NBA superstar gets fined a staggering $100,000 for his public outburst against Philadelphia 76ers’ franchise president Daryl Morey. Harden’s fiery comments, dubbing Morey a liar, ignited controversy and strained relations. Of course, it resulted in a hefty financial penalty.

What did Harden say about Daryl Morey?

During his most recent trip to China, the All-Star guard verbally attacked Morey. He put doubts on the reports of an alleged unlawful handshake agreement between the two last summer. Harden’s decision to accept a substantial pay cut last season to rejoin the 76ers in free agency fueled speculation about a potential max contract offer from Morey this offseason.

Read More: $305,039,833 Rich James Harden Remains One Sign Away From Dethroning Late Kobe Bryant in Elite NBA List

Harden’s response to league investigators further deepened the controversy. He claimed Morey had assured him of a trade after he exercised his player option.

However, trade talks surrounding Harden have yet to materialize with the Sixers, leading to speculation. Harden said, “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of“.? The LA Clippers are now the only team in the market fighting for Harden’s services amid the trade speculations.

The NBA responds to Harden’s remarks by imposing the maximum sanction that can be imposed for a player’s behavior, highlighting the seriousness of the matter. The league fined Harden with a $100,000 fine.

According to the NBA’s official statement, Harden’s remarks suggested he wouldn’t carry out his end of the bargain. That means he would not perform any of the services called for under his player contract. Harden may face consequences for his public disapproval of Morey, leading to an uncertain future in the NBA. But the NBA World looks at this matter in another way and gives its own perspective.

The NBA world speaks up for Harden

James Harden earned an average of $47 million per year from salary and endorsements. He signed a $228 million four-year contract with the Rockets in 2017, earning over $530,000 per game. Harden declined a $103 million extension in 2020, signing a $68.64 million deal with Philadelphia in 2023. Harden even signed a $200-million deal with Adidas in 2015, earning an average of $15 million annually.

So the 33-year-old has a net worth of around $165 million. That’s what the NBA fans pointed out and had a lot to say.

One fan even compared the fine to Harden’s earnings.

Another fan thought that the fine amount is very less and wrote a message for the league.

A fan even took Harden’s side for his controversial comments.

Another fan came in Harden’s defense.

Another Harden fan sarcastically says a lot!

The league’s swift response to Harden’s inflammatory comments emphasizes professionalism and accountability for players. Harden’s future with the Sixers remains uncertain, highlighting the intense dynamics in professional basketball both on and off the court. What do you think, which team will Harden end up in? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this Story: ?Is It Too Late?: James Harden Burns All Bridges With a 4 Word Bomb on Relationship With Daryl Morey 76ERS