James Harden Says He ‘Sacrificed Money’ to Join 76ers, Hoped to Retire with Philly | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

For the first time, James Harden is speaking about what led to the dissolution of his relationship with Daryl Morey, and it’s precisely what everyone believed: an alleged promise of max money unkept.

Harden told Sam Amick of The Athletic that Morey promised his representation a max contract before last season’s playoffs and then cut off communication with him after the Sixers were eliminated from the playoffs. That led to Harden requesting a trade in June, a decision the 2018 NBA MVP says he does not regret.

“Nah, it wasn’t my decision (laughs). So I mean, at that point, you put me in a situation and I’ve got to sit back, survey what’s going on and then make the best decision that’s going to be beneficial for me and my family,” Harden said. “Like I just told you, I sacrificed money to come to Philly hoping to retire (there). So when you guys throw a curveball at me, now I’ve got to step back — and I’m not just a guy who’s radical, who’s just gonna do anything. I’m strategic. I think before I react. And a lot of people don’t understand and know that about me, which is fine.”

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.