“Teams Should Be Fined $5,000,000”: James Harden Gets Firm Support From ex-Sixers All-Star Amid Trade Fiasco

Philadelphia 76ers superstar James Harden has had a roller coaster ride throughout the offseason. He publicly requested a trade after the 2023 playoffs. Importantly, the star is yet to find a team with only two weeks left for training camps. Amid this fiasco, the league slapped a fine on the 10x All-Star for his controversial take. When the Beard himself remained silent after that, an ex 76ers star pitched in with a rare support in a recent podcast.

Moreover, it’s not only Harden who is undergoing this battle, even Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard also has a similar issue. However, the difference being, the narratives set on the stars. Notably, in the recent podcast with J. J. Redick, ex Sixers star claimed that Harden has a negative narrative set on him for requesting trade.

James Harden gets rare support

Sitting alongside Redick, 4x NBA Champion Andre Iguodala extended his support to James Harden. Iguodala started off his career with the 76ers and spent 8 seasons with the franchise before clinching 4 titles with the Golden State Warriors. The All-Star explored the uncharted terrain of the Supermax contract in context with the Harden issue.

In the recent episode of The Old Man & the Three, the Dubstar discussed various current affairs of the league. Of course, the elephant in the room, Harden trade fiasco came up and Iguodala didn’t hesitate to speak his mind. He said, “Teams should be fined as well when that player is fined.” He further spoke about the new rules regarding the trade negotiation before free agency and the untold practice among players to sort trade before free agency. Above all, he also pointed out that James could have been told that he was going to get that deal.

Furthermore, he laid question, “What did James do wrong to get fined? He said I was lied to.” He continued, saying, “I would prefer the teams be fined $5 million.” The Dubs star concluded the argument, highlighting it as a fresh problem for Supermax players.

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While Iguodala seemed fine with Harden’s controversial take, but the league wasn’t.

Harden’s controversial statement

Amid the long-standing wait to find a contract, the 76ers star was asked about the trade in a recent promotional event in China. Harden didn’t hold back and called Darryl Morey, president of Sixers basketball operations. He said, “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” Following this statement, the league slapped him with a $100,000 fine.

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What do you make of Iguodala’s take on the Harden trade fiasco? Let us know in the comments.