The word tampering has come to the forefront yet again during the offseason, multiple teams are currently under investigation. The New York Knicks’ acquisition of Jalen Brunson is being investigated and the other high-profile name that is being discussed is James Harden and his new deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Beard took a pay cut so the Sixers could put a contending roster around him and Joel Embiid and they did just that by adding valuable pieces like P. J. Tucker and Danuel House in free agency. However, there is a suspicion that Harden has some understanding with Daryl Morey that he will get his money in a later contract, which would qualify as tampering.
It will be hard to tell what has gone on in this situation between the two parties, and the league investigation will take its due course. However, in the meantime, Sixers Head Coach Doc Rivers has gone on record to discuss the allegations, denying them on Vince Carter’s show.
“Because it’s not true. I mean honestly, when James did this and said this, first of all, we didn’t know what we were going to do with the money we were getting. And, listen, James won too. He could have opted into a 1-year deal, but we gave him 3 years instead. So both parties won. And you know, it worked out for us, it worked out for James.
“I can guarantee Daryl had no idea what James was going to do. I remember talking to him on the eve of when James could opt in or out and he was like ‘we got five hours left.’ That was Daryl Morey so that tells you he had no idea.”
It’s not surprising that Doc is defending his organization, it makes complete sense that he would. It’s hard to say what the situation is before more facts come to light, so it would be ideal to wait and watch before passing any judgment. In any case, the league isn’t too harsh with tampering penalties and the Sixers will be hoping that they don’t intend to start now.
