Source: https://marcstein.substack.com/p/all-the-latest-on-the-latest-james?publication_id=392205&utm_medium=email&action=share&isFreemail=false
> There are now calls for the league to re-investigate Philly again to try to assess what Morey allegedly lied to Harden about.
> If Harden is suggesting that the Sixers made some sort of contractual promise last summer — which the team has adamantly denied and maintains it was already cleared of doing — they will certainly be subject to league discipline.
> If Harden is suggesting that Morey promised to trade him in late June after Harden picked up next season’s $35.6 million player option and then reneged on that promise, that is not a violation of league rules even if true.
by UnbiasedNBAFan_
36 Comments
Good- let’s see if harden has receipts…
shoulda gave him to us for scraps when you had the chance bums 🤭
sixers downfall?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FOT6ojjXwA0_3lL.jpg
From the ESPN story on the initial investigation:
> The investigation is expected to include interviews with team personnel and the organization turning over electronic correspondence and phone records to league investigators.
The records the league collected were apparently from the team, so they wouldn’t include any contemporaneous correspondence between Harden and his friends/family/advisors.
Even if there is no documentary evidence of a handshake agreement, a detailed statement from Harden would be direct evidence of such an agreement. And testimony from anyone he told at the time would be corroborating.
Moreover, the league doesn’t even need direct evidence to find a violation:
>(d) ***A violation of Section 2(a) or 2(b) above may be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence***, including, but not limited to, evidence that a Player Contract or any term or provision thereof cannot rationally be explained in the absence of conduct violative of Section 2(a) or 2(b).
The circumstantial evidence (Harden declining his $47M option to sign a $34M deal) wasn’t enough at the time, but those circumstances coupled with a statement from Harden could very well be enough.
>If Harden is suggesting that Morey promised to trade him ***in late June after Harden picked up next season’s $35.6 million player option*** and then reneged on that promise, that is not a violation of league rules even if true.
There were immediate reports when Harden opted in that the Sixers would work with him on finding a trade, so any such promise would have been made ***before*** he opted in.
Regardless of what they find, Embiid wanted PJ Tucker (he said so after G6 vs Heat) and ownership wanted to duck the tax
Harden took a $12m discount to help them accomplish those goals
Edit: Daryl Morey is blameless im sure /s
Not an issue if he doesn’t stink in Boston.
embarrassing franchise to be apart or a fan of
James Hardens trade requests are next level
Just start process part 2 already.
Investigated for allegedly NOT FULFILLING an illegal promise?
Why aren’t there investigations into every one that has been fulfilled?
Ownership and Morey is gonna fumble Embiid as well by being this stubborn. Keeping Harden was the only way they will contend next year and not waste Embiid’s prime
LOLL what is going on?
If they dock assets, Embiid is for sure asking out
This will mean nothing If Morey had his fingers crossed. Harden better hope he didn’t.
as punishment, Joel Embiid will be traded to Mavericks for Dwight Powell, Javale McGee, and Richaun Holmes
What good are 2nd round picks if not to pay your tampering bill?
Crazy that Morey is an inept as Embiid is talented…
“There are now calls [from James Harden’s agent’s cell phone] for the league to re-investigate the Sixers.”
I think I’m not gonna watch ball for a few years. I’m over it.
So if the 76ers promised something but never gave that something, is that really tampering?
This is so stupid. Who gives a shit honestly. Harden sounds like the type of dude to rat out a coke dealer to the cops for shorting him.
As if the league can do anything about someone going back on their word LMAOOOOOOOO. The fuck are they gonna do, get Moreys 5th grade DARE officer to tell him that lying is a sin?
They absolutely should. It happened in broad day light but the league was clearly afraid of coming down too hard on the Sixers so they gave them a slap on the wrist for PJ/House.
I’m enjoying every second of this
They should just void the contract if it’s not legal.
Idk who’s gonna give James $35 million but hey it helps him get out of Philly.
The NBA media has shown its failures this summer on multiple fronts so it’s not one person.
But honestly WTF is Stein doing here. If you can’t get anyone to make the call on the record what is this story. Seems like a gigantic nothing burger but Stein pushing a narrative from his sources without putting anyone on record.
> contractual promise
There’s no such thing as a “contractural promise” unless it’s in writing.
If anything, the 76ers should be in trouble for promising these “handshake” deals to begin with.
Harden took Morey at his word and the team broke the handshake deal. But that doesn’t violate any league rules, right?
Lol.
For this (Harden was promised a contract) to be true requires Harden to have lied to the League (in first investigation).
“The Beard Who Cried Wolf” seems a relevant reference. Why do we believe you now, James?
He was promised a trade and no one wants to trade for him. Terrible blow to his ego. But admitting perjury probably isn’t the best way to handle the disappointment.
If the league investigates again and finds no wrongdoing, just like they did last time, this subreddit will be so disappointed.
They don’t even want to consider the alternative.
Are verbal promises legally binding?
Assuming it was verbal rather than written, why should Morey and the 76ers get punished? They should receive damage to their reputation and word sure but actual discipline? Why?
Shocker, league investigating the Sixers. There’s a new punishment excuse every year
Under the table move for Joe Smith cost Wolves four 1st round picks
How the fuck is it the 76ers who are the bad guys here? Dude obviously thought he would make more money but gave up on the team. He could have signed anywhere else. Harden is a certified clown
> If Harden is suggesting that Morey promised to trade him in late June after Harden picked up next season’s $35.6 million player option and then reneged on that promise, that is not a violation of league rules even if true.
Isn’t this what this is all about? When has Harden suggested that he was promised a max contract?
Lol eat a dick philly
We’re gonna get our asses Joe Smith’d lol