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Why is James Harden in China? 76ers star sells record amount of wine, teases future playing plans

Benyam Kidane

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Why is James Harden in China? 76ers star sells record amount of wine, teases future playing plans image

James Harden's offseason has been nothing short of dramatic.

Harden, who is currently seeking a move away from Philadelphia, is in a standoff with the 76ers front office and president Daryl Morey after failing to come to a resolution on a new contract or a trade, despite taking a pay cut last offseason.   

While on tour in China at an Adidas-sponsored event, Harden made his feelings known. 

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said. “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.”

MORE: Why James Harden lacks leverage against Daryl Morey and the 76ers

Why is James Harden in China?

Harden is in China for the first time in four years. His last trip came in 2019 while playing for the Rockets, where Morey, then general manager of the franchise, found himself in hot water over a tweet in support of Hong Kong protestors, which resulted in a fractured relationship between the nation and the NBA. 

Harden, who has a huge fan base in China, is on a promotional tour for Adidas, taking part in fan meet and greets, hosting basketball camps and seemingly having the time of his life.

Check out the wild reception he received on arrival:

He put his dancing shoes on, filming some hilarious TikToks with Chinese influencers.

And perhaps making the best entrance to a fan event I've ever seen, pulling up on a motorbike.

Harden expresses interest in playing in China

Since arriving in China, Harden expressed an interest in one day taking his talents there to play.

“Every time I come here, the love is just like ... it’s crazy, you know what I mean?” Harden said via Keith Pompey.

“So I feel like they deserve to actually see me come play here. ... Love is always crazy here.”

While Harden still has plenty of productive years in the NBA, coming off a season averaging 21.0 points,10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds on .441/.385/.867 shooting splits, a career swansong in China isn't out of the question.

James Harden wine: Chinese fans buy record amount of bottles

How much do the fans in China love Harden? Promoting his wine brand J-Harden Wines, the 76ers star teamed up with Chinese influencer Xiao Yang during a social media live stream and, according to the South China Morning Post, it didn't take long to move a whole lot of bottles. 

Harden was in shock after it took just 10 seconds to sell 10,000 bottles of his signature wine — the most J-Harden Wines has sold in a single day. 

Check out his reaction below.

If he doesn't end up playing in China, he's got a valuable wine business on his hands. 

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.