The NBA fined James Harden for calling Daryl Morey a liar, but can he be fined for party decor?
James Harden had a party and had the club holding up Daryl Morey is a liar signs pic.twitter.com/DvtK1BJ5ZY
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) September 27, 2023
Harden threw a big party at Kamp, a club in Houston, over the weekend. In a video of the festivities, there's a woman holding a customized sign reading "Daryl Morey Is A Liar." That's what Harden famously said, and repeated, while on a trip to China last month.
James Harden on his China tour: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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.” pic.twitter.com/oaqVjXkax6
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 14, 2023
The comments caused a minor furor. The NBA investigated, only relenting when Harden clarified that Morey's "lie" was his promise to trade Harden quickly, and not anything related to a promised contract and salary cap cirumvention. Harden got a $100,000 fine for stating that he wouldn't be part of the Sixers organization since he is under contract in Philadelphia.
While Harden still has to report to camp to avoid being fined or having his free agency delayed, the signage could be a taste of Harden's plans to make things "uncomfortable" for his team.
"It's time to get uncomfortable."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 20, 2023
James Harden's recent IG story pic.twitter.com/F5LQJvtlz9
For his part, Morey has shown willingness to endure some discomfort, like Ben Simmons' extended holdout in 2021-22. That led to the Sixers' trade for Harden after he made things uncomfortable in Brooklyn.
The signs likely won't get Harden to a new team, but the availability of Jrue Holiday might. If the Sixers make a move for Holiday, Harden would almost certainly be re-routed. Then the club signs might read "Thank You Daryl Morey" instead. Or "Trade Me, Joe Cronin."
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