NBA launches inquiry into James Harden, 76ers in wake of ‘liar’ accusation

James Harden’s ongoing standoff with the 76ers has raised loads of eyebrows across the NBA.

Maybe none extra notable than the league workplace, which is now taking motion.

Within the wake of Harden’s stunning public admonishment of 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey as a “liar” on Monday, the NBA has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the matter, according to ESPN.

Particularly, the league is investigating whether or not his warning of a possible holdout this season violates the NBA’s collective bargaining settlement or if Harden was referencing a possible try to assist the 76ers conduct unlawful wage cap circumvention, per the report.

Harden slammed Morey whereas talking at a press occasion in China for Adidas basketball on Monday, simply days after the 76ers reportedly shut down trade discussions surrounding the 33-year-old star.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I’ll by no means be part of a company that he’s part of,” Harden, who beforehand requested a trade out of Philadelphia in June, mentioned in a video posted by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

“Let me say that once more: Daryl Morey is a liar and I’ll by no means be part of a company that he’s part of.”

Harden has expressed privately, nevertheless, that his feedback had been a results of the 76ers’ resolution and expectation he would begin the season with the staff, per the report

Harden, who was acquired by the 76ers within the blockbuster deal that despatched Ben Simmons to the Nets in the course of the 2021-22 season, is upset over the dearth of a long-term max contract provide from Philadelphia, according to ESPN, and is in search of a commerce elsewhere.

The Clippers are reportedly atop Harden’s wishlist.

He took a $15 million pay minimize final season with the 76ers and declined his $47.4 million participant choice, as an alternative signing a deal that paid him $33 million for the season.

As such, he seemingly anticipated to be rewarded this offseason, which has not materialized.

Harden and Morey have a historical past earlier than the 76ers, as they spent eight seasons along with the Rockets.

Morey introduced Harden to Houston in a 2012 commerce with the Thunder.