Both outgoing Rockets GM Daryl Morey and owner Tilman Fertitta are denying that Morey’s infamous Twitter controversy in October 2019 had anything to do with his recent decision to leave Houston.
Here’s what Morey said about the situation to local media on Thursday, as transcribed by Tim MacMahon of ESPN:
It was just personal. I think it was an intense season for everyone in the league, but that didn’t factor in.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had previously said that the backlash from Chinese interests over Morey’s tweet — which was in support of a Hong Kong protest movement — could cost the NBA up to $400 million. However, both the league and the Rockets consistently declined to issue any discipline to Morey, citing freedom of expression.
Per Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston, Fertitta also said Thursday that the Chinese controversy had no role in the decision.
“Absolutely not,” Fertitta said.
.@TilmanJFertitta reiterates Daryl Morey came to him with his decision to leave as #Rockets GM: “I was disappointed..We’ve been working thru it” And Fertitta says @dmorey controversial Tweet supporting freedom for Hong Kong had nothing to do with this situation: “Absolutely not”
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 16, 2020
Morey and Fertitta have had a strong working relationship since the latter’s purchase of the team, which was finalized in October 2017. Morey will be replaced in Houston by previous No. 2 executive Rafael Stone, who appears likely to continue with Morey’s analytics-driven approach.
In Morey’s 13 years at the helm, the Rockets ranked No. 2 in the entire NBA in total wins. As such, he would likely have a strong market for his services, should he eventually decide to return to the league.
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