James Harden’s agent makes ridiculous MVP claim, cites ‘crazy hunger’ amid offseason ‘disrespect’

James Harden obviously sees himself as a sufferer who is been wronged through Daryl Morey and, through extension, the Philadelphia 76ers, who did not furnish him with the long-term, giant cash contract he felt he deserved, and in all probability used to be informally promised, after he took a pay reduce ultimate summer time. 

But it is greater than the Sixers telling Harden that he is now not value what he thinks he’s. Indeed, if Harden used to be in excessive call for, he will have, and indubitably would have, declined his $35.6 million participant choice for 2023-24 and gotten paid in loose company. 

Instead, the Rockets, whom Harden hung as a risk over the Sixers all season, did not need him. Now the Clippers, Harden’s most well-liked vacation spot, do not seem to wish him all that badly, both, or a minimum of now not for a worth befitting Morey’s expectancies. So now, out of choices, Harden is resorting to calling Morey a liar for now not honoring his phrase on no matter handshake deal he thinks they made at a distinct time underneath other cases. 

For a minute, set aside the hypocrisy of a man who has already did not honor his contractual dedication to 2 organizations. You’ll recall be partied his manner out of Houston, then bailed on Brooklyn, and it seems that he is heading for the trifecta with Philadelphia after simply accepting the $35.6 million deal for subsequent season. So within the ultimate couple of news cycles, he is painted somebody else as two-faced, with that specific being longtime Harden apologist Morey? Harden, in line with his agent, feels so disrespected through now not simply Morey, however through a whole league that now not believes his ability is worthy of endless leverage, that he may simply fiddle and win MVP this coming season. 

“James has a crazy hunger in him right now,” Troy Payne mentioned at the The Hidden Gems podcast. “If he got an MVP this season, I wouldn’t be surprised. That’s what kind of hunger he got in him right now, just from the disrespect … you know, the free agency stuff, which I don’t really want to get into.”

Payne is going directly to element Harden’s offseason exercises, pronouncing he is training at 7 a.m. after which enjoying ball once more after picture shoots. Well then, whilst you put it like that! An NBA participant is figuring out for 4 hours an afternoon? And he is taking note of his vitamin? Man, glance out! This dude’s about to triumph over the sector!

Or — and simply pay attention me out right here — in all probability Harden’s bar for dedication to his craft and health has, now and then, dipped so low that fundamental ranges of both really feel atypical. I do not know. I’m torn. Maybe I’m unsuitable and everyone seems to be definitely fearful of the wrath that disrespected Harden is ready to unharness. 

But MVP? Even figuring out the baked-in components of an agent’s hyperbole, and Harden’s 21-and-10 numbers ultimate season however, this can be a high-comedy take. Dude says he isn’t even going to visit coaching camp for the Sixers, and now he’ll win MVP? Sure. 

Here’s a reminder for Harden and Mr. Payne: That V in MVP? That stands for treasured. The marketplace, because it seems, has a tendency to replicate price, and there may be, nowadays, definitely no marketplace for Harden. You do this math. Harden can really feel slighted all he desires, however finally, if he is not getting the dignity he merits, he simplest has himself accountable.