NBPA filing grievance, says James Harden didn't violate rules - ESPN

The National Basketball Players Association intends to file a grievance disputing the NBA's $100,000 fine for James Harden over public comments he made earlier this month expressing displeasure after the Philadelphia 76ers failed to trade him.

«We respectfully disagree with the league's decision to discipline James Harden for recent comments he made, which we believe do not violate the rule against public trade demands,» the NBPA said in a statement Tuesday night announcing the decision. «We intend to file a grievance and have the matter heard by our Arbitrator.»

Earlier Tuesday, the league announced its decision to fine Harden in the wake of an investigation into comments he made on a promotional tour in China on Aug. 14 and in an interview with Houston television station KHOU on Aug. 17. Harden was fined the maximum amount under the new collective bargaining agreement, which went into effect last month.

In its statement, the NBA said Harden was «indicating that he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.»

Last month, after conducting another investigation into public and private posturing by Aaron Goodwin, the agent for Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard, the NBA said in a memo sent to all 30 teams that any player, or his agent, who makes public or private comments indicating he won't «fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade» will be subject to discipline moving forward.

During his appearance in China, Harden called out 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey for not trading him after Harden opted into his $35.6 million contract for the 2023-24 season.

«Daryl Morey is a liar and I will