NBA fines James Harden over comments that included calling 76ers' Daryl Morey 'a liar'

The NBA fined Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden $100,000 "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," the league said in a news release Tuesday.

The league interviewed Harden, who last week said he would never play for organization that includes Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.

"Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of," Harden said at a shoe event in China on Aug. 14. "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."

The NBA said it interviewed Harden who "confirmed that these comments referenced Harden’s belief that the 76ers would not accommodate his request to be traded."

Shortly after Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard’s trade request became public in July, the league sent a memo to teams saying, "We have advised (agent Aaron) Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade will subject Lillard to discipline by the NBA.  We also have advised the (National Basketball) Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward."

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The league did not discipline Lillard, but Harden’s recent comments were enough for the NBA follow through on its promise.

Harden also requested a trade after he opted into the final year of his contract for the 2023-24 season at $35.6 million. The Sixers have not found a suitable trade for Harden and indicated they don’t plan to trade him before training camp begins in October.