By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBPA stands by James Harden and supports him against the decision of the NBA to sanction him with a $100.000 fine.
The National Basketball Players Association issued the following statement regarding the NBA’s recent discipline of James Harden.
“We respectfully disagree with the league’s decision to discipline James Harden for recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands. We intend to file a grievance and have the matter heard by our Arbitrator.”
On the other side, the NBA is fining James Harden $100,000 “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.”
While on a publicity trip for Adidas in China, Harden disparaged Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, calling him a liar and saying he’ll never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.
Then, in an interview with Houston television station KHOU, the 76ers guard said that his relationship with the team is beyond repair and is instead focusing his off-season on things he can control.
Harden opted into his player option for $35.6 million at the beginning of the off-season. According to reports, Harden opted in so that he could be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.