Unexpected source comes to the defense of Harden

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Unexpected source comes to the defense of James Harden

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 8/14/23

In an unexpected turn, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has come to the defense of former teammate James Harden as the Harden-Daryl Morey feud erupted Monday.

In response to a tweet by ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Irving tweeted:

"Is he Disgruntled Adrian?? Or is he holding Darryl Morey accountable for his dishonesty and lack of transparency throughout the contract negotiation process this summer?"

Is he Disgruntled Adrian?? Or is he holding Darryl Morey accountable for his dishonesty and lack of transparency throughout the contract negotiation process this summer?
— Chief Hélà (@KyrieIrving) August 14, 2023

Earlier Monday, Harden ripped Morey, the 76ers' president of basketball operations.

"Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of," hesaid. "Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

On Saturday, sources told Wojnarowski of Philadelphia's plan to bring back Harden. That could set up a tense situation with Harden, who reportedly wants to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Per ESPN, the Sixers sought a trade upon Harden's request after he agreed to pick up his $35.6M player option in June. But no deal could be reached.

Irving's support of the "The Beard" comes from way out in left field. While the two played together in Brooklyn from 2019-22, Irving's antics reportedly angered Harden, who forced his way from the Nets to the 76ers.

Per The Athletic's Joe Vardon, "The two didn't seem to get along."

In Brooklyn's 129-100 win following Harden's trade to Philadelphia, Irving and the Nets embarrassed the 76ers, 129-100. Following his trade to Dallas last season, Irving dropped 40 points on the 76ers in the Mavericks' 133-126 win.

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