76ers’ Daryl Morey Disses James Harden and Anthony Davis Trades: “Weren’t Needle Movers”

Daryl Morey's vision for the Philadelphia 76ers is finally coming to fruition this season with a playoff seeding currently in their hands.

76ers’ Daryl Morey Disses James Harden and Anthony Davis Trades: “Weren’t Needle Movers”

James Harden, Daryl Morey, and Anthony Davis (Image via FirstSportz)

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Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey was one of those who saw James Harden and Anthony Davis headline this year’s edition of the NBA trade deadline.

There is no doubt that the league was the clear victor heading into Super Bowl LIX week when the Luka Doncic and Davis trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers went down.

That trade started off what would end up becoming one of the most stunning trade deadlines in sporting history, with several top-tier players changing teams and effectively changing the league’s landscape.

This time, fans felt that Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s potential trade was going to be the one that would probably cause some dominoes to topple, but instead, it was first James Harden’s trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers that surprised many.

He and the Clippers were on a good run of form. That is why fans were left scratching their heads as to why he was moved out to another team that could be a championship contender.

Secondly, it was Anthony Davis’ trade to the Washington Wizards. With both superstars moving to the Eastern Conference, it seemed as if the balance of power was restored in the NBA.

We like our chances in the East… Folks have speculated on the improvements of our East competitors. I don’t see it, personally… There weren’t any needle movers, in my opinion.

Daryl Morey told reporters

This was Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey, who seemingly dissed former player Harden and Davis’ trades as not being needle movers. It seems he does not believe either of them is going to affect the landscape in their Conference.

Daryl Morey believes he sold high on Jared McCain trade

The primary reason Daryl Morey was at the press conference was that he, too, made a trade before the February 5th deadline passed. When reporters asked about fan backlash following the GM’s decision to trade away popular guard Jared McCain, Morey replied:

I’m quite confident that we were selling high (trading McCain). Obviously, only time will tell.

Daryl Morey said
Jared McCain has been traded to OKC
Jared McCain has been traded to OKC (Image via Sleeper Thunder/X)

By saying this, the 53-year-old was trying to suggest that he managed to trade McCain for a higher price than what he paid for when he drafted the Duke guard in 2024.

Back then, Morey drafted the California native with the 16th overall pick. Before the deadline, he flipped the 6’3″ guard to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks.

Considering how much he depends on analytics while making roster decisions, this move to send away one of the budding guards of their roster for future picks was a bold move. However, it ended up upsetting quite a few Sixers fans.

Jared McCain has gut wrenching reaction to Daryl Morey’s ‘sell high’ comment

Daryl Morey’s ‘sell high’ comment went viral, as it was a rather sarcastic dig at what the fans or media felt about him trading away Jared McCain. When reporters in Oklahoma City asked the shooting guard about it, he had this reaction.

I didn’t get to talk to him much at all when he called me. But… yeah, I don’t know.

Jared McCain replied

The 21-year-old, one of the most jovial characters in the NBA, was left speechless after it became evident that his GM used him to gain additional draft picks rather than focus on using his skills.

He tried to keep his trademark smile going, but his reaction was enough to indicate that the entire ordeal had been nothing but gut-wrenching for the young star who hoped to be a longtime 76er.

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