James Harden ‘tells NBA probe reason he called Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey a liar’ amid fall out

The reason behind James Harden’s public attack on ‘liar’ Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey has been revealed, according to a report. 

A furious Harden ripped into Morey while at a basketball camp in China earlier this month, accusing the 76ers chief of dishonesty after talks over his desired move to the LA Clippers were ended.

The 10-time All-Star’s public rant led to the NBA launching an investigation into the fallout between Harden and Morey. 

The probe has uncovered Harden’s reasoning for branding Morey a liar, according to The Athletic. 

Harden reportedly told league investigators that his comment was referring to Morey telling him that he will trade him ‘quickly’ following the $35.6 million opt in for 2023-24. 

Harden unleashed a sensational attack last week (right) on 76ers president Daryl Morey (left), branding him a ‘liar’ after ending trade talks with the Clippers

However, Philadelphia’s stance is now believed to be that they will keep hold of the former Brooklyn Nets star. 

Harden had set his sights on a trade to the Clippers after just 18 months in Philadelphia, only for talks to draw to a close when the Sixers failed to strike a deal. 

He sent shockwaves rippling through the NBA by unleashing a sensational attack on president of basketball operations Morey’s character.

‘Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,’ he said as he ripped into the Sixers GM. 

‘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.’

According to ESPN, NBA officials are looking into the 33-year-old’s feud with Morey to understand whether he was portending a 2023-2024 hold out in violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

They are also pursuing an understanding of whether he was in fact referencing past contract discussions that might constitute salary cap circumvention. 

Harden is expected to report to the Sixers’ training camp in September after he was informed that a suitable trade with the Clippers hadn’t been found, despite the point guard claiming his relationship with the franchise is fractured beyond repair this week.

When asked by KHOU 11’s Jason Bristol if it is too late to salvage his 76ers career, he simply said: ‘I think so’.

Harden, who is currently in Houston for another of his JH-Town charity weekend events, also said beforehand: ‘I’ve been patient all summer. For me I just focus on what I can control, and that’s working out [and] staying in shape and getting ready for a good season.’

The 33-year-old was sent to Philadelphia in 2022 in exchange for Ben Simmons, who was sent to Brooklyn after he had become embroiled in his own trade standoff with the Sixers. 

Harden’s public rant led to the NBA (pictured commissioner Adam Silver) to launch a probe

Harden suggested last week it is too late to repair his relationship with Morey and the Sixers

Back in June, he picked up his $35.6million contract option for next season with the 76ers, despite the fact he could have decided to try for free agency. The Sixers also had the right to offer him a four-year, $210m deal – $8m more than any other team. 

Last year the franchise handed him a two-year, $68.6million deal that included a player option, which allowed it to sign two additional veteran contributors in free agency.

A subsequent NBA investigation found that the Sixers held premature conversations with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House, and it was eventually stripped of two future second-round picks.

The league did not find any evidence of Philadelphia discussing or agreeing a future deal with Harden based on his agreement of a one-plus one contract. It also continues to deny that it ever agreed or reneged on an illegal future deal with him.