After all the James Harden trade speculation this summer, it appeared as though the saga had come to a resolution. I saw an ESPN notification pop up on my phone, stating that the 76ers were going to bring Harden back to training camp and end trade talks. But, not long after, I saw a quote from Harden that absolutely blindsided me, and gave me a sense of deja vu.
“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 in the NBA.”
Wow. I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard an NBA player be that direct in their thoughts about management in my entire life. This is especially interesting coming from Harden, considering that he and Morey previously had such a good relationship. In fact, Harden loved Morey so much in Houston that it played a role in his following Morey to the 76ers. And now he’s refusing to ever play for a Morey-led organization again?
This quote came from a Twitter clip of Harden in Beijing for an Adidas event, and I’m wondering if this is a deep fake. I mean, for Harden to say something this outrageous, and the only real source we have is a Twitter clip? I’m not saying it couldn’t be real, but I’m certainly skeptical.
Assuming this is real, however, the 76ers face a dilemma. The packages that were being offered for Harden weren’t enough to move a deal along. Yet, if Harden isn’t happy, we know exactly how he’ll play and act, like it or not. The four points against the Kings and the alleged fat suit in Houston have shown us all we need to see.
Morey was willing to wait months until he found a deal he liked for Simmons, so in theory, he’d do the same for Harden. But James is an aging star, and whatever new team he goes to will have to give him a nice, long deal to ensure he isn’t a rental. But Harden is 33 years old; does a team want to be paying him in excess of $60 million at age 38? At least with Simmons, there was the possibility of him playing like his old self, he had four years left on his deal, and had yet to enter his prime. Harden has none of that going for him, so I’d be surprised if the 76ers found any deals for him they like. Until then, sit back, and watch as this situation in Philadelphia becomes more hostile than the Simmons dilemma.
How do you think the Harden situation will play out? Let me know in the comments below, don’t forget to follow the NBA Blog, and as always, have an awesome day!
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