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James Harden’s comments to Daryl Morey started the epic Stephen A.-Mad Dog battle
Stephen A. Smith returns to “First Take” for an epic debate with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo about James Harden’s recent comments to 76ers executive Daryl Morey.
Asked by a KHOU 11 reporter in Houston on Thursday if he thought his relationship with the 76ers was on the mend, Harden replied, “I think so.”
“I’ve been patient all summer,” Harden said of his situation with the team. “For me, it’s just focusing on what I can control and preparing for this season.”
His comments followed Monday at an Adidas media event in China, where Harden initially reprimanded Morey publicly.
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I’m not going to be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said Monday. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will not be a part of an organization that he is a part of.”
On Saturday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the 76ers plan to bring Harden back to training camp and for the start of the season, setting up an uncomfortable situation for the unhappy star.
Philadelphia has had periodic offseason conversations with the LA Clippers — Harden’s desired destination — but no traction on a deal has been made, sources said.
The Sixers agreed to seek a trade at Harden’s request after he agreed to pick up his $35.6 million player option in June, but Philadelphia’s asking price was too high, and no team, including the Clippers, was willing or able to meet it. of this, according to the sources. .
Harden’s frustration with Morey stems from the lack of a long-term top-level contract offer, sources said, and the team is risking the possibility of Harden arriving at training camp with anything. except for a championship mindset.
Harden, who led the league in assists last season, was in Houston ahead of a charity event he hosted this weekend. Harden spent eight more seasons in Houston with the Rockets, where Morey was the general manager at the time.
Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, was a star for the Rockets until he wanted to be traded to Brooklyn. The Rockets finally agreed and sent him to the Nets. When a Big Three championship run with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving never materialized, Harden wanted a trade with the 76ers — in large part because of his strong professional and personal relationship with Morey. .
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.