Danny Green on James Harden’s Comments: ‘I Was Shocked; See Both Sides’

August 20, 2023

Free agent shooting guard Danny Green said he was stunned by comments from 76ers star James Harden, who called Philadelphia head of basketball operations Daryl Morey “a liar” during an event in China.

“There’s not many things that shock me in this world, but to see a star player like James Harden, call out by name, Daryl Morey and speaking from his own mouth,” Green said on ESPN’s NBA Today, via Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire. “You usually hear from sources, but to him speak it, you can tell he’s agitated. He’s upset. It was shocking. I was very shocked by it, but I do see both sides.”

Harden has demanded a trade after picking up a $35.6 million contract option in June. He called Morey “a liar” twice during the Adidas event in China, with the entire thing captured on video. Harden added that he will never again play for the organization as long as it’s Morey who is in charge.

“As a player, I’m always gonna side with the player. Not just because I’m a player, but I also don’t think he’s wrong,” Green said. “If he was promised something, I think you need to come through with that promise.

“But I see the other side of it with Daryl Morey. I understand it’s a business. GMs, they make a lot of decisions quickly in the heat of the moment and your mind is going to change, the emotion is gonna change at different times, and maybe his hands are tied to this.

“Maybe he’s not able to offer James the extension that he wants. So I understand Daryl. I understand James. Do I think this can be something that can be amended? Probably not, but Daryl is going to have to meet him at least halfway to try to bring him into camp.”

Green is a former teammate of Harden’s with the 76ers. But Green is a free agent now after finishing last season with the Cavaliers. He suggested he doesn’t suspect Harden would “dog it” if he does eventually report to training camp in Philadelphia.

“He’s either not gonna play, or when he does play, I see him being the professional that he is and giving his best, but I don’t see him doing that,” Green said. “I think he’s gonna try to hold out.”