James Harden has vented his dissatisfaction with the Philadelphia 76ers as his efforts to leave the team appear to have stalled.
The 76ers agreed to look into trading the 10-time All-Star in June. Harden’s preferred destination is the Los Angeles Clippers but sources have told ESPN that the Sixers’ have asked for too much in return. ESPN now reports that the 76ers want Harden to report to training camp for the start of the season.
“[76ers president] Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said during an Adidas event in China on Monday. “Let me say that again. Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization 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 organization that he’s a part of.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023
The 76ers have clear problems as the new season approaches. They are still hurting after blowing a 3-2 series lead to rivals Boston Celtics in last season’s Eastern Conference semi-finals, and they fired their coach, Doc Rivers, in the aftermath. The Sixers hope to have Harden playing alongside the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, in the coming season. But Harden was already unhappy with his contract before the trade talks and Embiid played poorly in the postseason, raising questions about his ability to carry a team to a title.