NBA Fines Harden Over Statement Made Against 76ers

The National Basketball Association, NBA has fined Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden $100,000 for his public comments saying he will not play for the 76ers while president Daryl Morey was in charge.

The 33 year old guard in an interview after reports that the 76ers had ended talks about trading him, said Morey is a liar, and he will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.

Harden, reportedly upset about a failed promise trade to join the LA Clippers before talks faltered lashed out in an interview in china.

NBA said the fine was for saying “he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team”.

However in response to the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association said they respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline Harden for the recent comments he made, which they believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands.

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Talks between the 76ers and the Clippers broke down because of the demands set by his current team, who are expecting the player to return for a training camp in September.

Harden was named the NBA’s most valuable player (MVP) in 2018 while playing for the Houston Rockets, where Morey was general manager.

The pair’s relationship was a key factor in Harden moving to Philadelphia in a trade which sent Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets.

Harden helped the 76ers, alongside reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid, to last season’s Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they lost to rivals Boston Celtics after blowing a 3-2 lead in the series.

BBC Sport