76ers star James Harden attends Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake in US Open Cup semi-final…a day after he was fined $100,000 NBA for Daryl Morey’s ‘liar’ comments
- 10-time NBA All Star Harden is still locked in a bitter row with the 76ers
- But he found time to relax and watch the US Open Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
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James Harden was spotted in the US Open Cup semi-final between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night as his bitter showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers continues.
Harden, a 10-time NBA All Star, was fined $100,000 by the league this week following his astonishing verbal attack on 76ers president Daryl Morey.
The point guard took aim at Morey earlier this month for his failed attempts to strike a deal with the LA Clippers, calling him a “liar” while vowing never to play under him again after negotiations broke down.
And three days after his outburst, when asked if it was too late to salvage his Sixers career, Harden added: “I think so.”
Following his public comments, the NBA launched an investigation into the comments which it said “indicated that he would not perform the services required by his player contract unless he was traded to another team.”
James Harden was seen at the US Open Cup semi-final against Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake
Harden is currently stuck in a bitter standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers over a trade dispute
But he was able to relax and watch Houston get the better of Real Salt Lake in Texas.
In the end, Harden was fined $100,000, which the NBPA is considering challenging because it doesn’t believe he violated rules prohibiting public trading requirements.
As his fallout with Philadelphia continues, Harden was seen chilling during the US Open Cup semi-final soccer game on Wednesday night.
As Houston cruised to a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake in overtime – setting up a final showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami – the Sixers outcast watched from the stands at Shell Energy Stadium in Texas.
Hector Herrera put Houston ahead on the night before Anderson Julio’s equalizer 26 minutes from time forced extra time.
This is where the hosts took over, with goals from Adalberto Carrasquilla and Luis Caicedo propelling them into the final.
Brayan Vera also saw red for Real Salt Lake in the final minutes of overtime before Houston was confirmed as the finalist.
Earlier in the evening, Miami booked their place in the final by toppling Cincinnati on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes.
Harden is expected to report to Sixers training camp in September after being told a suitable trade with the Clippers has not been reached, although the point guard says his relationship with the franchise is beyond repair.
Harden launched a sensational attack (right) on 76ers president Daryl Morey (left), calling him a ‘liar’ and promising never to play for him again after he ended trade talks with the Clippers.
The NBA responded to his comments by fining him $100,000, a penalty the NBPA will contest.
He first attacked Morey while attending a basketball camp in Chinaaccusing the Philadelphia chief of dishonesty after talks over a transfer to the Clippers ended.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any organization he is part of,” he said.
“Let me say it again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of any organization he is part of.”
Harden reportedly told league investigators that his comment was in reference to Morey telling him he would trade him “quickly” after the $35.6 million 2023-24 membership.
