Golden State Warriors former player Andre Iguodala Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Four-time Warriors champion praises James Harden's use of China

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 8/18/23

When James Harden branded Daryl Morey as a liar, the fact he was in China at the time was an afterthought. However, Morey has a well-documented and strained history with China. In 2019, he endured some serious backlash for a tweet he released in support of Hong Kong.

The repercussions were fast and strong. The Chinese Basketball Association suspended its partnership with the Houston Rockets. The NBA had to release a statement, and Morey almost lost his job.

According to four-time Golden State Warriors champion Andre Iguodala, who was speaking on a recent episode of "Gil's Arena," Harden's choice of location wasn't by chance.

"What is James' safety net?" Iguodala said. "Daryl Morey has a history with China, where he can say something, and the backlash from what he says, it may not be any, because there is a history there with Morey and China. So, it was a great move out of leverage by James...One, because it's gonna be hard to discipline James, because what did he do wrong? And James will sell some shoes. That's ultimately why he's over there."

Andre Iguodala talks about why James Harden went at 76ers GM Daryl Morey. pic.twitter.com/bD4vC361AD
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) August 15, 2023

Harden appears to be making calculated decisions in regard to ramping up the pressure on the Philadelphia 76ers. The end goal is clear: Harden wants to be traded. Morey has a reputation for playing hardball when the terms aren't to his liking. Having been with him in Houston and now in Philadelphia, Harden knew what to expect.

Both sides need to evaluate their next steps. Harden's decisions have heightened public interest. Neither side is going to have a clean break from the current situation. Yet it's the 76ers who will want to run damage control. Harden clearly has no issues with being viewed as a mercenary. The Sixers will have concerns over the happiness of Joel Embiid.

We're in for a messy ride in the coming weeks, yet the ending is clear: Harden has to go.

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