James Harden, Daryl Morey, and the Latest Chapter in a Complicated NBA Relationship
James Harden and Daryl Morey go way back. For nearly a decade, they were one of the NBA’s most tightly linked player-executive duos, building something in Houston that, while it never resulted in a Finals appearance, pushed the boundaries of how basketball could be played.
Morey believed in Harden’s game-his isolation-heavy, analytics-friendly style-and together with Mike D’Antoni, they crafted a small-ball Rockets team that was ahead of its time. They didn’t get past the juggernaut Golden State Warriors, but the Rockets were legitimate contenders.
Fast forward to Philadelphia, and the Harden-Morey partnership was rekindled-at least for a while. It worked on the court, but things unraveled when it came time to talk contract.
After the 2023 season, Harden wanted a long-term max extension. The Sixers didn’t offer it.
What followed was one of the more public and uncomfortable breakups in recent NBA memory, with Harden calling Morey a liar during an event in China. The crowd didn’t seem too invested, but the message was clear: the relationship had soured.
Now, nearly two and a half years later, the tension hasn’t exactly cooled.
On Friday, Morey addressed the media following the Sixers’ trade deadline activity. When asked about how the rest of the Eastern Conference shaped up post-deadline, Morey didn’t mince words.
“Folks have speculated on the improvements of our East competitors,” he said. “I don’t see it personally. There weren’t any needle movers in my opinion.”
It doesn’t take much reading between the lines to see that as a not-so-subtle jab at Harden, who was just dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland.
Whether or not you think that swap vaults Cleveland into title contention, it’s hard to argue it didn’t move the needle at all. The Cavs have been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning eight of their last 10 games-most of that without Garland. They’ve leapfrogged the Sixers in the standings, and now they’re adding a player who, not long ago, was named to an All-NBA team.
This isn’t just a minor shuffle. It’s a significant move for a team that’s already trending upward.
And while Morey may downplay it publicly, the Cavs are clearly gearing up for a playoff run. Harden brings experience, playmaking, and a scoring punch that could be crucial in the postseason. Whether it all clicks remains to be seen, but Cleveland is betting on it-and Morey’s comments suggest he’s not sold.
The next chapter in this saga? Circle March 9 on your calendar.
That’s when the Cavs and Sixers meet again. Harden will be on the floor, and you can bet the emotions will be running high.
Whether he lets his game do the talking or adds more fuel to the fire, one thing’s for sure: the Harden-Morey story isn’t over just yet.