The feud between James Harden and Daryl Morey has captivated the NBA world. Harden's trade request, which he felt Morey disrespected him, has overshadowed his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently struggling to find a foothold in the Western Conference.

At the center of the controversy is Morey's alleged failure to honor his promise to extend Harden's max contract. In Harden's eyes, Morey's betrayal broke the trust between two once close partners.

"It blew my mind, you know what I mean? Harden said of Morey's decision. I look at it as a marriage," Harden said. But [Morey] didn't have a conversation with me [about free agency] or say, 'Well, James, we don't want to offer you this, but we have this.' And then we go back and forth, and that's the conversation. But you guys just leave me hanging like that? That just shows me that you guys don't respect me as much as I thought you did."

The consequences of this discord were evident on the court, as Harden's play was not up to his usual superstar standards. Despite being surrounded by a talented group of players, Harden is only averaging 15.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game this season.

Harden's struggles have led to a disappointing 9 wins and 10 losses for the Clippers, finishing ninth in the Western Conference standings. The team's hopes of making the playoffs are getting slimmer and slimmer, and the conflict between Harden and Murray isn't helping.

As the Clippers take on the Denver Nuggets in their next game, the question remains: can Harden put aside his personal struggles and get back to his peak form? The Clippers' success depends on his ability to do so, but the lingering animosity between Harden and Murray could be a huge obstacle.