NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
It’s about to get messy for the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden and Daryl Morey are not seeing eye-to-eye and that’s understandable. Both parties want what’s best for them, and in the end, they will end up hurting each other. But the NBA is a business and that’s how it goes.
Harden wants out. That’s been clearer since the beginning of the offseason. Morey wants to get a deal done but it must be what’s best for the Philadelphia 76ers, not Harden. And this is where the real issue is coming from.
Yes, Harden has made his feelings known publicly with his latest video. And this was done after Morey said that trade talks for Harden were off the table. Well, what happened to what was once a promising friendship?
Business is what happened. It’s easy to point the finger at James Harden considering what he has gone through over the last few seasons with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and now the 76ers. Does he want to win or get paid?
As for Morey, it’s a question of what is he exactly doing with the roster. Getting Harden for outcasted Ben Simmons was a great move, but in the end, the team got no further than when Simmons was the starting PG. The rumor is that Harden wanted a longer-term deal but at his age and playoff issues, would any team offer to pay him $40M+ per season? So, a trade was the next best thing.
However, no one is biting on what Morey wants in return. This is the part where Harden is probably upset, but this is also the business side of things.
Yes, Harden opted in for the $36M but what was he supposed to do? He saw the business side and made a move. Well, that’s exactly what Morey is doing now. He’s thinking about the present and future of the Philadelphia 76ers.
This is the same that’s going on between the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard. Lillard wants out but does that mean the Blazers are supposed to take pennies on the dollar for a valuable player?
Harden has been in the league long enough to understand how this works. While the rumors are that Harden has the Los Angeles Clippers as his top destination, the Clippers, and 76ers have not been able to come to terms on a package. Are the 76ers supposed to just hand over last season’s assists leader for a 2nd round pick just because he wants to go somewhere else?
Is This The End For Harden And The Philadelphia 76ers
No, Morey needs the best deal he can get for Harden. This is not about their friendship, this is about business. Harden is in his feelings just like the rest of the NBA players in his position. They want out. They don’t care what happens to the organization after they leave. But owners, GMs, and players do. The Philadelphia 76ers still believe they have a shot this coming season and even with Harden off the team, the idea is to get players in return who can help make that happen.
But if this continues to go downhill, the domino effect this may have on the returning players and possible players in free agency, could very well damage the reputation of the Philadelphia 76ers as a whole. Harden has called out Morey which in return has started an investigation by the league to see if there were any under-the-table dealings going on.
Could this be the beginning of the end to a core that was title ready for the past 2-3 seasons? Joel Embidd is watching from a distance and so is Tyrese Maxey. Not to mention the others who are in the final years of their deals and may have had the Philadelphia 76ers on their radar as a place to play. This feud is bigger than Harden and Morey. The 76ers and Harden are fighting for their reputations.
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