NBA fines 76ers’ James Harden $100K for public trade demands d48z

NBA fines James Harden for trade comments made to KHOU 11 and in China dh12

The NBA has fined Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden $100,000 for what the league labels as “public trade demands.”

During a basketball camp in China, Harden shared his opinion regarding the president of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers, Daryl Morey, saying he believed him to be a liar.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said.

The announcement of his fine was made by the NBA through a Twitter post on Tuesday. It reads, “The NBA announced Tuesday that Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for public comments on August 14 and 17 indicating that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.”

In the same announcement, the NBA also disclosed that the league had conducted an investigation.

“The league’s investigation, which included an interview with Harden, confirmed that these comments referred to his belief that the 76ers would not accommodate his request for a trade,” the post concluded.

When interviewed by KHOU 11 last week, Harden was asked whether he thinks his relationship with the team is irreparable. “I think so,” Harden replied.

“I’ve been patient all summer,” he added. “For me, it’s just focus on what I can control and getting ready for this season.”

In response to Harden’s fine, the National Basketball Players’ Association posted on X, expressing disagreement with the NBA’s decision.

“We respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline James Harden for recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands,” the statement reads.

The players’ union also revealed that they intend to file a grievance and that an arbitrator will hear the matter.

Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP and a ten-time All-Star, averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game last season. He also demonstrated shooting accuracy with 44.1 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 86.7 percent from the free-throw line.