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Time doesn't appear to have changed the stance
of Harden, who in August told reporters he didn't expect he
could get past issues with Morey.
"This is in life," he told reporters Friday. "When you lose
trust in someone, it's like a marriage. ... I wanted to retire a
Sixer. And the front office didn't have that in their future
plans."
Harden has voiced his desire to be traded to the Los Angeles
Clippers as the third star on the team, joining Kawhi Leonard
and Paul George. The Sixers and Clippers haven't made progress
on a potential deal, though has said "we are continuing to work
with his representation to find the best solution for the 76ers
and all parties."
Harden, a six-time first-team All-NBA player acquired twice by
Morey, has soured on his boss, made clear when he spoke in
August at an Adidas event in China.
"Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an
organization that he's a part of," Harden said then. "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."
Harden, 34, already has been paid half of the $35.64 million due
to him this year -- a prepayment option many players choose to
take -- according to ESPN.
Despite his displeasure in Philadelphia, Harden reported to
training camp but remains hopeful of a trade. He is scheduled to
become a free agent after the season.
A 14-year veteran who has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder,
Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and 76ers, Harden has career
averages of 24.7 points, 7.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 1,000
games (786 starts). He led the league in scoring three times,
and last year, his 10.7 assists per game were the most in the
NBA.
A 10-time All-Star, Harden was the league's Most Valuable Player
in the 2017-18 season.
--Field Level Media
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