Harden personally admitted that Morey had promised a maximum salary! Join the Clippers to make money + win the championship to clarify the truth of negotiations with the Rockets

On December 5, Beijing time, The Athletic announced an exclusive interview with Harden. The Clippers recruit revealed to Sam Amick the inside story of his departure from the 76ers, including Morey's promise of a salary cap, his goal of joining the Clippers and the truth about negotiations with the Rockets. Referring to the criticism he has received over the past few years, Harden laughs and says, "People throw dirt on my name, but the good guys always come out on top. ”

Join the Clippers to make money + win the championship

At the beginning of the interview, Harden talked about his thoughts on the Clippers. "Overall, it's hard to say, but I think it's a really good situation for me because I have a chance to win a championship, to be with my family, and to have a chance to keep chasing my goals and the basketball things I want to accomplish – and that's wise. ”

He didn't disclose whether Harden would only target the Clippers after deciding to leave Philadelphia, but he did say why he joined the Clippers. "It's about getting paid and having a chance to win the title. I've sacrificed so much over the last few seasons, both in terms of team role and money. By now, it's all over. I just want to keep going and still have a chance to make some money and win at the highest level. ”

Morey had promised Harden a salary cap

One of the most critical questions in the interview was then raised, and Amick wanted Harden to confirm whether he had actually received a contract extension from the 76ers. Harden asked Amick rhetorically, "Is there a maximum salary?" and after confirmation, Harden admitted: "Yes." Amick asked, "Is this what Darryl (Morey) said?" and Harden responded with two yes in a row.

Harden also said in the interview that his relationship with Morey was once very good. "In the past, a week or two after a playoff loss, we would figure out how to improve the team, we would talk about how to make the team better, and that went on for a decade or so, but this year we didn't have any communication. That's when I understood what was going on. I'm smart, I know what I'm going to do next, at the end of the day, it's a business, he has to do what's best for the player, and I have to do what's best for me and my family, it's as simple as that. ”

As for the timing of Morey's promise, Harden said it was before the start of the playoffs last season that Morey was in talks with his agent. However, a source from the 76ers denied Harden's claims.

Harden also said that he and Morey are no longer in touch. "I lost so much money, respect and loyalty, there's nothing to say, it's all real money. ”

What would be different if I jumped out of the contract?

Many fans have wondered why Harden would exercise his option instead of jumping out of contract and becoming a free agent. Harden also responded to the question in the interview.

"It [out of contract] will definitely look different, growing or young teams have money, but it doesn't make sense," Harden said, "and competitive teams have no money." All in all, I'm probably going to have to face Philadelphia again. So the execution options are strategic choices that people can discuss, but they don't understand the situation. Like I said, I made the best decision for myself and my family. ”

Harden also talked about his mentality during that time. "I wasn't worried, it was just patience. The day I chose to do it, I had a conversation with the 76ers, and it was a 10-day process, but it dragged on for four and a half months. It was getting in my way and other people's lives, so it was a bit frustrating. I sacrificed everything and went to Philadelphia with some people I trusted, only to be devastated. It's part of life and it makes me stronger. ”

In response to rumors of negotiations with rockets

Regarding Harden's whereabouts at that time, a very important destination was the Houston Rockets. Amick talked about a report at the time that said that Harden told the Rockets that he wanted to regain the points title and return to his old Rockets basketball, which made the Rockets change their decision to sign him.

Harden responded, "Who said that? What have I accomplished in the last three or four years? You can answer that question yourself." I talked to the Rockets about the style of the game, my performance and things like that. But who wants to average more than 30 points per game when I play out?" "Harden has averaged at least 10 assists per game over the past three seasons, including 10.7 assists per game last season, making him the league's leading assists leader.

Harden said that the people who attended the meeting with the Rockets also included Harden's agent and Rockets head coach Udoka.

The most important thing is the performance of the Clippers in the playoffs

Harden believes the future is bright for the Clippers, but he also sees the current predicament. Amick said Tyronn Lue has repeatedly emphasized that all of these superteams with stars have a big man who is willing to sacrifice — the Celtics have Garnett, the Heat have Bosh, and the Cavaliers have Love, usually two wings and a big man.

Harden responded: "We showed good signs, and then we had a turnover, and it was like, 'Damn, if we play like that, we're going to win.'" 'Obviously, we want to win games when we solve problems, but we'll see how this team performs going into the playoffs. This is the most important thing. ”

The Clippers are currently 9-10 and in ninth place in the West. So far this season, Harden has averaged 15.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, shooting 46.2% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 85.2% from the free throw line. How far can Harden and the Clippers go this season?