James Harden calling Daryl Morey a “liar” was a major escalation in his quest to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, the battle between these two has been quietly simmering for weeks now.
Speaking to ESPN, via ClutchPoints, Wojnarowski said that Harden and Morey have not seen eye-to-eye since the very moment that the player picked up his option and then demanded a trade.
“This battle has been going on largely behind the scenes all summer, really from the day that James Harden picked up his player option on this season,” Wojnarowski said.
"This battle has been going on largely behind the scenes all summer, really from the day that James Harden picked up his player option on this season."@wojespn on the Harden drama with the Sixers 🗣️pic.twitter.com/bJQKv1aW5I
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 14, 2023
It was at that moment that everything changed for Harden, Morey, and the rest of the team.
In the first few days after the demand, it became clear that Harden was angling to move to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Yet, it also became clear that the Sixers weren’t going to send Harden away unless they received assets they really valued.
The Clippers tried but they simply are not willing – or not capable – to give the 76ers what they want.
Harden is understandably frustrated and likely feels that publicly lashing out at Morey is the only move he has left.
But it’s not going to get him what he desires.
Now, Harden is stuck in a tough spot.
Does he return to the 76ers for training camp and the new season or open himself up to being traded to a team that isn’t the Clippers?
If Harden allows the latter, perhaps a different franchise will step forward and give Philadelphia what they want.
There are plenty of other franchises that could cobble together a package that pleases Morey.
If not, Harden may have to work under a man he called a liar for months to come.
NEXT: Insider Shares Details Of James Harden’s Relationship With Daryl Morey
