After tapping the fingers of Damian Lillard and his agent, the NBA has decided to open an investigation into the relationship between James Harden and the Sixers. Unsurprisingly, it was Harden’s speaking out in China that prompted this decision. Monday morning, the former MVP had launched this message: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any franchise he is in. Let me repeat it. Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any franchise he is in.”
According to ESPN, the commission of inquiry wants to know if Harden has threatened not to play next season, or if he is referring to old contractual discussions with the leaders, which could constitute a circumvention of the “salary cap”. Recall that last season, the Sixers were sanctioned for having negotiated James Harden’s contract before the start of “free agency”.
For his part, Harden indicated, privately according to ESPN, that the term ” liar was solely related to the fact that the Sixers had decided to end discussions on his transfer to the Clippers. In July, Morey had pledged to help Harden join the club of his choice. Except the Sixers weren’t happy with the Clippers’ offer, so they’re counting on Harden for the upcoming season.
Also according to ESPN, like Damian Lillard in Portland, Harden would not intend to sulk, and if he is not transferred, he will be there for the resumption of training.
