The NBA has handed Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden a hefty $100,000 fine for his public trade demands, the league announced on Tuesday. Harden has repeatedly expressed his desire to not play for the 76ers and even went as far as calling president of basketball operations Daryl Morey “a liar” during an Adidas marketing appearance on August 14.
The NBA conducted an investigation into Harden’s comments and confirmed that his statements on both August 14 and August 17 signaled his belief that the 76ers would not trade him. Harden initially requested a trade back in late June and has made it clear that his preference is to be sent to the Los Angeles Clippers.
In response to the NBA’s discipline of Harden, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has stated that it intends to file a grievance and have the matter heard by its arbitrator. The NBPA disagrees with the league’s decision to discipline Harden, arguing that his comments did not violate the rule against public trade demands.
TheAthletic.com provided some instant analysis on the situation. They questioned why this particular trade demand was fineable, with the conclusion being that $100,000 is the cost of honesty. Harden confirmed that his insult towards Morey was due to the executive’s failure to promptly fulfill his trade request. In today’s NBA, publicly acknowledging a trade request is against the rules, making it a punishable offense.
The article also delved into the reason why other trade demands haven’t led to fines. According to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, Harden broke the rules in this case. However, the NBA was only able to prove it because of his admission during the investigation. Other recent examples include Anthony Davis and Dewayne Dedmon, who were fined $50,000 each for publicly discussing their trade requests, but as long as trade requests are discussed anonymously, players are considered safe.
The backstory behind Harden’s comments involves a strained relationship between him and Morey. Harden labeled Morey a liar multiple times during a marketing event and expressed his belief that his relationship with Morey and the 76ers is beyond repair. While trade talks involving Harden and the 76ers have ended, the team expects him to report to training camp in late September, though Harden has stated that he has no plans to participate.
Harden’s trade request stems from his dissatisfaction with how Morey handled his possible free agency. Despite the 76ers’ efforts to retain All-Star caliber talent to support Joel Embiid and contend for a title, Harden remains adamant about leaving Philadelphia. 76ers owner Josh Harris is working to convince Harden to stay but is willing to accommodate his desires if the trade request remains in place.
While the NBA has taken action against Harden, the saga continues as the NBPA challenges the league’s decision. The fine serves as a reminder to players that publicly expressing trade demands can have consequences, emphasizing the NBA’s commitment to upholding its rules and regulations.