James Harden’s beef with the Philadelphia 76ers runs deep. Last year, during the off-season, Harden publicly called the team’s president Daryl Morey on a global platform, sparking the peak of their controversial relationship. Moreover, Harden even asserted that he will not partake in any games for the team for the 2023-24 season. As a result, Harden left the 76ers court, building on the strained relationship with the franchise.

The 76ers traded Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers in October last year, fulfilling his desire to play for his home team. Now, as Harden recorded a double-double in a 108-107 win against the 76ers, he was faced with questions about his controversial past. Being nearly 5 months separated from the team, Harden was asked if he would ever consider hashing things out with Daryl. Harden realized the question ever before the reporter finished his sentence, and staunchly said, “No.”

Moreover, when asked about a possible change in perspective on the situation, James Harden shares a leaning towards looking forward in life. He then glances at his decision to provide flexibility to the franchise by taking a pay cut. However, reiterating the situation, he then underscores the team’s apprehension of living up to their promise of handing him a max contract as his hint to move past the franchise. He ended by saying, “Things didn’t work out. I wanted to get paid, they weren’t talking. It is what it is. You move on.”

Harden is currently in the middle of leading the Los Angeles Clippers to maintain a home-court advantage in the playoffs. Playing nearly 34 minutes per contest, Harden is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists this season. While his production has decreased since his time with Philly, Harden is enjoying a more content season and leadership role with the Clippers.

What happened between Daryl Morey and James Harden?

James Harden put on a 76ers jersey with hopes of being the much-needed facilitator for the Sixers, all while helping Joel Embiid to bolster his performance. Despite a few questionable absences and crunch-time performances, Harden was able to maximize the team’s expectations.

Everything was good until the summer of 2022 when Harden declined his player option for a “team-friendly” $68.6 million contract. Daryl Morey promised Harden to grant him a max deal if he takes a pay cut that season. Harden immediately hopped on the deal, allowing the Sixers to add valuable role players to the roster.

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However, when Morey needed to fulfill his end of the bargain, there was no response or communication from the president toward Harden. As a result, what was once a great relationship between the two, turned stale and bitter. Soon, Harden opted to reveal the details of their daunting past, bringing the controversy to the public eye.

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