Harden saga illustrates one important fact about former Rockets GM Daryl Morey

James Harden's standoff against the Philadelphia 76ers was always going to get messy. We've seen this movie before.

But today it took an unexpected turn, as Harden went viral for taking a personal shot at former Rockets GM Daryl Morey.

Harden stated, "Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. 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."

However, Harden seems to forget one major thing: Daryl Morey has always been this way. Harden, of all people, should know this.

The two were business partners for practically a decade. Morey has always treated players like assets and demonstrated a propensity to deal players irrespective of their situations. Players have come out and said it.

Why James Harden shouldn't be surprised about former Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's handling of the situation

J.J. Redick stated it.

"They offered four years and then they went three. The day before free agency, I thought it was a four-year deal

Redick continued.

"I hate to say this – but you never know with Daryl and how he operates. A three-year deal could really be a six-month deal if you get dealt at the trade deadline for a superstar as part of a package of six."

Iman Shumpert stated it.

“Houston bullsh-ted, [and] we didn’t get the deal done.”

Chris Paul stated it, countless times, adding that he was notified by Morey that he wouldn't be traded practically right before he was dealt. Morey knew all along that he'd been concocting a trade that was at the finish line with CP3, in exchange for Russell Westbrook.

Harden knew this- hell, he was a part of the CP3-Russ swap.

This is how Morey has always been. And Harden didn't have an issue with it at the time.

Hell, Morey lied on his way out of Houston, stating that he was leaving the Rockets to spend time with his kids, as they were in a gap year because of COVID. Then it came out that he had already been talking to the 76ers about joining as President of Basketball Operations, which he did almost immediately.

So, if Morey promised Harden a raise, Harden, of all people, should know to take it with a grain of salt. He's seen Morey lie about these sorts of things before.

Why would he have ever trusted someone who is known for not being truthful? At the end of the day, it sucks, for sure.

But Harden shouldn't have been surprised. I'm certainly not.