The James Harden, Daryl Morey saga had another wrinkle added Monday after Harden reportedly told the NBA the reason for his now-famous "liar" accusation.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday that the 76ers disgruntled guard told the league that his "liar" comment was in reference to Morey telling him that he would be traded "quickly" after opting into his $35.6-million player option for the 2023-24 season.
Harden, still a member of the 76ers, made the comment while on a publicity trip for Adidas in China, calling Morey a liar and saying he'll never be a part of an organization that he's a part of.
Then, in an interview with Houston television station KHOU, the 76ers guard said that his relationship with the team is beyond repair and is instead focusing his off-season on things he can control.
Saturday, the league reportedly launched an inquiry into Harden's public scolding of the 76ers president of basketball operations.
According to ESPN, the league is investigating whether Harden was planning to hold out for the 2023-24 season — which would be a violation of the collective bargaining agreement — or is planning to bring up past contract discussions that would have constituted salary-cap circumvention.
Charania reported Monday that Philadelphia's stance is now to keep Harden on the roster.
The former MVP has played a season and a half in Philadelphia after being traded by the Brooklyn Nets in 2022. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and a league-leading 10.7 assists last season.
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