The fallout from James Harden's trade request made to the 76ers continues to send shockwaves through the basketball world.
Days after Harden publicly denounced Daryl Morey by calling him a "liar," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported that the NBA has launched an inquiry into Harden's comments.
According to the report, the NBA's inquiry has been launched in order to gain an understanding of the nature of Harden's comments, including what prompted him to call the franchise's president of basketball operations a "liar," adding that he would "never be a part of an organization that he's a part of."
As a result of the NBA's investigation, the league has fined Harden $100,000, the maximum "for public trade demands" as his statement was deemed as a declaration that he would not perform under to his contract unless traded to another team.
Here is more on what the NBA has investigated and what has come from the league's findings.
MORE: Why James Harden lacks leverage against Daryl Morey and the 76ers
NBA inquiry into James Harden, explained
Why did the NBA fine James Harden?
Here is the NBA's statement on fining James Harden:
The NBA announced today that Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for public comments on August 14 and 17 indicating that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team. The league's investigation, which included an interview of Harden, confirmed that these comments referenced Harden's belief that the 76ers would not accomodate his request to be traded.
Why did the NBA launch an inquiry into James Harden's comments?
Here is more on the situation per the reporting of Shelburne and Wojnarowski:
The league office is believed to be pursuing an understanding of whether Harden was portending a 2023-24 holdout in violation of the league's collective bargaining agreement or had been referencing past contract discussions with the organization that might constitute salary cap circumvention, sources said.
To put things more plainly, the NBA looked into the motivation behind Harden's comments and whether or not the 10-time All-Star plans to act on them.
What will happen after the NBA inquires into James Harden's comments?
With respect to the motivation behind the comments, it was important for the NBA to figure out why Harden feels Morey is dishonest.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Harden told league investigators that he was "referring to Daryl Morey telling Harden he will trade him 'quickly' following the $35.6 million opt-in for the 2023-24 season."
Wojnarowski mentioned that Harden has "privately indicated" that he is indeed upset with Morey for ending trade discussions. Whether or not those statements are true will be crucial for all parties involved.
As recently outlined by The Sporting News' Steph Noh, there are serious ramifications for Harden if he is planning a contract holdout based on not receiving a trade.
Per the new collective bargaining agreement, a player that holds out for more than 30 days during a contract year would remain under contract with their team unless that team expressly agrees to allow him to become a free agent.
Conversely, if it is proven that there were under-the-table discussions that indicate that Morey and the Sixers were attempting to circumvent the cap, the franchise could face severe punishment.
Just last year, the NBA rescinded the 76ers' second-round picks in the 2023 and 2024 NBA Draft after a league investigation revealed that the franchise engaged in free agency discussions with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House prior to the date in which discussions were permitted.
What did James Harden say about Daryl Morey and the 76ers?
James Harden has now publicly commented on his situation with the 76ers twice in a one-week span.
Here is what Harden said during a promotional appearance in China:
Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of. 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.
Upon his return to the United States, Harden had this to say to Jason Bristol of Houston's KHOU network: "I've been patient all summer so, for me, it's just focus on what I control and that's working out, staying in shape and getting ready for a good season."
Harden also said that "I think so," when asked if it's too late to repair his relationship with the franchise.
