James Harden's bank account is 5 zeros lighter this morning ... the NBA slapped the perennial All-Star with a huge 100 grand fine for saying he wouldn't play for the Philadelphia 76ers, despite being under contract.
"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 Association announced.
"The league’s investigation, which included an interview of Harden, confirmed that these comments referenced Harden’s belief that the 76ers would not accommodate his request to be traded."
Of course, it was just last week when the 2018 NBA MVP blasted the Sixers exec while at an Adidas event, saying, "Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of."
EXCLUSIVE: James Harden tells me he thinks his relationship w/ 76ers is beyond repair.
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) August 18, 2023
"I've been patient all summer."
Back from China, he's in #Houston for his 'JH-Town Weekend,' including kids carnival & celebrity softball game for charity.
Story: https://t.co/qDTacHfa51 @KHOU pic.twitter.com/gSDdAVoo9S
In case there was any doubt, James doubled down.
"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.”
Once James returned to the States, he was asked whether the relationship with Morey and the team could be salvaged ... to which he said no.
Harden is set to be a free agent after this season ... but he's made it clear, despite being owed over $30 million, he won't play for the 76ers.
The question now is ... with the substantial fine, and the threat of more coming down the pike, might Harden come around on the idea of playing in the City of Brotherly Love.