As part of NBA probe into his “liar” comment, James Harden told league investigators he was referring to Daryl Morey telling Harden he will trade him “quickly” following the $35.6 million opt in for 2023-24, per sources. The 76ers’ stance now is they expect to keep Harden.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 21, 2023
So, this isn’t necessarily the bombshell many thought it could be. Imagine if Harden had told them that Daryl Morey promised him a big deal if he initially took a pay cut. (This would’ve been a shocking scandal that would’ve led to the league going after Morey and maybe Harden as well)
It was pretty clear that Harden opted in because there was no big contract out there for him.
