James Harden was meted a stiff fine by the NBA for the public comments he made against the Philadelphia 76ers on August 14 and 17.
The 2018 NBA MVP drew a hefty $100,000 fine after publicly stating while he was in China that he would not suit up for the Sixers unless he would be traded to another team, according to an official announcement released by the NBA on Tuesday, August 23.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/j3VZLxgXA5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 22, 2023
The announcement added that the probe included an interview with the 10-time All-Star, confirming that these comments referenced Harden's belief that the 76ers would not accommodate his request for a trade.
It was on August 14 when Harden blasted Morey, calling him a liar. Further, the 33-year-old guard added that he would never be part of an organization that the 50-year-old NBA executive was part of, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.
Under the new CBA rules, the $100,000 fine is the maximum amount that can be imposed for any player under these situations: (1) conduct or statements prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball, the NBA, or a team, or (2) violations of the tampering rules, NBA insider Bobby Marks explained.
Read more: Philadelphia 76ers Considered Tyronn Lue Before Doc Rivers Altered Timeline, Flipped Script
Harden becomes the latest player to air his discontent over wanting out of his current NBA team. Other players who have done so in the past included Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, and Damian Lillard.
However, unlike Harden, the aforementioned players never bared their demands publicly, CBS Sports pointed out.
James Harden got miffed at Morey after signing the $35.6 million opt-in for the 2022-23 season. The 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award claims that Morey told him he would be traded after doing so, The Athletic reported.
As of this writing, only the Los Angeles Clippers have shown interest in James Harden. Talks between the Clips and the Sixers bogged down after Philly ended them. Besides Los Angeles, no team has come forward for a potential NBA trade involving Harden.
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