Daryl Morey Unfazed by Cavs Landing James Harden

Merlin sees Daryl Morey shrug off the deadline noise, telling reporters "there weren't any needle movers in my opinion," and still backing Philly's chances. Cleveland added James Harden and sits 31-21, 1.5 games ahead of the sixth-seeded 76ers, so Harden could ease Donovan Mitchell's load and turn the Cavs into a real postseason threat. Merlin notes moves like Anthony Davis to Washington and Ivica Zubac to Indiana may matter down the road, but Morey's past with Harden hangs over his words. Harden once called Morey a "liar" and reportedly vowed to avoid him, so Morey's dismissal could be posture or personal. The East just got more intriguing, and sparks between these rivals may light the playoffs.