James Harden slapped with fine after calling Philadelphia 76ers chief "liar"

22 August 2023 , 16:19

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James Harden is set to be handed a fine for his comments (Image: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

James Harden is set to be handed a £78,000 ($100k) fine by the NBA, after the Philadelphia 76ers star branded the franchise's president Daryl Morey a 'liar'.

Whilst making a promotional appearance for Adidas in Shanghai last week, Harden made the accusation against Morey, and claimed he wanted to leave the Sixers in the offseason.

He told reporters: "Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organisation that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organisation that he’s a part of."

His comments quickly went viral as NBA fans were left staggered, and the NBA wasted little time in launching a full investigation into the situation.

And it appears they have reached a conclusion, with ESPN reporting that the 33-year-old will be handed a hefty fine following the comments on his boss. Earlier this summer Harden agreed to sign his £29million ($36.5m) one-year player option in his contract.

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If the Sixers star had have opted not to sign the option he would have become a free-agent, but as things stand Harden remains part of the Philadelphia franchise's roster. Harden's 'liar' comments were reportedly a reference to his player option contact.

Details have emerged about the NBA investigation into comments made by James Harden (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

The 33-year-old told investigators that he was informed by Morey that he would be traded out 'quickly' on the back of him exercising the option. Of course this has not been the case, and Harden remains a Sixers player, for now.

Following the end of the 2022/23 campaign, a move away from the Sixers looked likely for the shooting guard, with a whole host of franchises linked with making a move for him. Things quickly changed though after Harden decided to sign his one-year player option.

Among possible suiters, the Los Angeles Clippers were one of a number of teams said to be interest in securing the services of the 10-time NBA All-Star. As well as this, Harden's name was also matched to the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics, but any move yet to materialise.

Joshua Lees