76ers star James Harden visits Houston Dynamo against Real Salt Lake in US Open Cup semifinals … a day after his NBA $100,000 fine for Daryl Morey’s “liar” comments
- Harden, a 10-time NBA All-Star, is still mired in a bitter feud with the 76ers
- But he found time to sit back and watch Wednesday’s US Open Cup semifinals
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James Harden was spotted Wednesday night’s US Open Cup semi-final between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake as his acrimonious standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers continues.
Harden, a 10-time NBA All-Star, was fined $100,000 by the league this week after astonishingly verbally assaulted 76ers President Daryl Morey.
The point guard targeted Morey earlier this month over his failed attempts to set a deal with the LA Clippers, branding him a “liar” and vowing never to play under him again after talks collapsed.
And when Harden was asked three days after his outburst if it was too late to salvage his Sixers career, he added, “I think so.”
Following his public statements, the NBA launched an investigation into comments it said “suggested that he would not perform the services required of his player contract unless traded to another team.”
James Harden featured in Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake’s US Open Cup semi-finals
Harden is currently in a bitter standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers over a trade dispute
But he could sit back and watch Houston beat Real Salt Lake in Texas
Harden ended up being fined $100,000, which the NBPA plans to challenge because it doesn’t believe he broke any rules against public trade demands.
As his feud with Philadelphia continues, Harden could be seen sitting back and relaxing at Wednesday night’s US Open Cup soccer semifinals.
As Houston beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 in extra time, setting the stage for a final showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the Sixers underdogs watched from the stands at Shell Energy Stadium in Texas.
Hector Herrera put Houston ahead that night before Anderson Julio equalized with 26 minutes left and forced extra time.
The hosts prevailed there, with goals from Adalberto Carrasquilla and Luis Caicedo advancing to the final.
Brayan Vera was also sent off for Real Salt Lake in the closing stages of overtime before Houston was declared a finalist.
Earlier in the evening, Miami secured their place in the final by beating Cincinnati on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes.
Harden is expected to report to the Sixers’ training camp in September after being told a suitable deal with the Clippers had not been found, despite the point guard claiming his relationship with the franchise has broken beyond repair.
Harden launched a sensational attack (right) on 76ers President Daryl Morey (left), branding him a “liar” and vowing never to play for him again after ending trade talks with the Clippers
The NBA responded to his comments with a $100,000 fine, a penalty the NBPA will appeal
He first attacked Morey during a basketball camp in China, accusing the Philadelphia boss of dishonesty after talks ended about a move to the Clippers.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of an organization that he is a part of,” he said.
“Let me say this again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be part of an organization that he is a part of.”
Harden reportedly told league investigators that his comment was in reference to Morey telling him he would “quickly” trade him after the $35.6 million opt-in option for 2023-24 .