The friction between James Harden and Daryl Morey surfaced in the offseason
Harden opened up about his relationship with the 76ers’ president of operations
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Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden did not hold back about his relationship with the team’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey.
Though late, Harden has joined his team for preseason festivities. In his first media appearance since entering camp, Harden said their differences cannot be resolved but insisted his plan ‘is to play basketball.’
‘When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage,’ Harden said. ‘You lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.’
Harden’s remarks came as a follow-up to a straight ‘no’ in response to questions about reconciliation.
Back in August, Harden went as far as publicly calling Morey a liar during a marketing tour in China.
The 10-time All-Star branded the team’s president of basketball operations a ‘liar’ in August
‘Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,’ Harden said in a video that was captured by audience members. ‘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.’
Harden was traded to Philadelphia in 2022 and helped the 76ers towards the postseason before they lost to the Miami Heat in the conference semifinals.
In 2023, the 76ers’ playoff run ended in the same stage after a seven-game series with the Boston Celtics. Over a year of pay cuts and negotiations later, Harden requested a trade out of Philly. Harden named the LA Clippers as his desired destination, but the 76ers ended trade talks in August.
‘Me and the front office had a very, very good relationship for a decade,’ Harden stated. ‘There was constant communication, you know what I mean? There was no communication once we lost.’
Harden has been present as practice but is yet to participate in the 76ers preseason games
Harden has been present as practice but is yet to participate in the 76ers preseason games
When asked about whether or not he still wishes to be traded, Harden said; ‘You’ve got to talk to the front office about that.’
The 34-year-old did praise the 76ers’ new head coach Nick Nurse, who lead the Toronto Raptors to the NBA Championship in 2019.
Harden has not played in any preseason games yet but has opportunities to tune up against the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks before opening night.
‘I can control what I can control,’ Harden said. ‘I take it one day at a time and focus on every day as a new day. My plan is to play basketball, yes, for sure.’
