According to Crickex App sources, the NBA has officially launched an investigation into James Harden’s public criticism of the Philadelphia 76ers president. The league’s inquiry will focus on two key areas: whether Harden violated the collective bargaining agreement, and whether the 76ers attempted to circumvent the salary cap during Harden’s re-signing last summer. What was once a star-studded partnership could now unravel into a lose-lose situation for both sides.

The probe is also expected to dig deeper into whether there were any unofficial or verbal agreements between Harden and the Sixers’ management regarding future contract terms. While the investigation may take time, one thing is clear — if wrongdoing is uncovered, the penalties could be severe. In a worst-case scenario, both Harden and the franchise could suffer long-term damage.

Last offseason, Harden surprised the league by agreeing to a significant pay cut in order to re-sign with Philadelphia. As a still-elite player, his decision immediately raised eyebrows. Crickex App reports that his reduced salary helped the 76ers bolster their roster, bringing in familiar faces like P.J. Tucker, Montrezl Harrell, and Danuel House — all with connections to Harden’s Houston days.

At the time, some believed there was more than met the eye. While the public narrative suggested a selfless superstar sacrificing for the team, salary cap analysts like Bobby Marks speculated that Harden’s discounted deal may have come with a hidden promise of future compensation — essentially a shadow or “under-the-table” deal. As the current standoff between Harden and the Sixers unfolds, that theory is beginning to hold more water.

Crickex App notes that Harden may never have received the promised compensation due to a change of heart from team leadership. Now, with no written guarantee to fall back on, the legal and ethical gray area surrounding their agreement is under the microscope. If the NBA determines rules were violated, Philadelphia could lose future draft picks, seriously hindering the team’s long-term rebuilding efforts.

To make matters worse, fellow superstar Joel Embiid has also been linked to trade rumors in recent weeks. If both Embiid and Harden were to leave, the 76ers could go from contender to rebuilding overnight. Harden, meanwhile, risks facing sanctions or loss of player privileges depending on the investigation’s outcome.

While no verdict has been reached yet, similar cases in league history suggest the fallout could be messy. Harden’s decision to air the team’s dirty laundry so publicly may make potential suitors think twice. Crickex App analysts believe that this controversy, coupled with the NBA’s involvement, could cast a long shadow over Harden’s future in the league — both in terms of destination and legacy.