The NBA wasn’t happy with the way James Harden called out Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey.
Harden’s public proclamation that Morey is a “liar” just earned him a hefty fine of $100,000.
Now, Adrian Wojnarowski is shedding light on the league’s reasoning behind the fine.
Apparently, Harden’s declaration that he would never be a part of an organization that included Morey played “a bigger part in the fine.”
Wojnarowski said that it “touched on the league’s rules concerning public trade demands.”
For the league’s purposes on the fine, Harden’s comments that he would never be part of an organization that included Morey played a bigger part in the fine, sources said. It touched on the league’s rules concerning public trade demands. https://t.co/AZxe6kKpNv
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2023
So apparently the NBA wasn’t too upset about Harden calling Morey a liar; they were instead more bothered by him swearing to never play for a team that the leads.
One could see how that is a very public demand for a trade, something the league frowns upon.
The $100,000 punishment isn’t going to hurt Harden too much considering he makes millions of dollars a year.
But this whole situation is continually getting worse and has no end in sight.
Harden will pay the fine but that won’t mend the relationship that he has with Morey, nor will it expedite any trade deal.
Instead, Harden is now looking at the real possibility of having to play for the Sixers in the new season.
Does that mean he will actually try to participate with his teammates and attempt to win?
Or will he refuse to suit up and sit on the sidelines, like Ben Simmons did just a few seasons ago?
One thing is likely: Harden will probably be much more careful about what he says to the press.
Although $100,000 isn’t too much for the star player, he certainly doesn’t want to be fined that amount many more times.
NEXT: Fans React To The NBA Fining James Harden
