Brooklyn Nets star guard James Harden is sitting out a second consecutive game on Sunday with tightness in his left hamstring.
The backdrop here are trade rumors linking the former NBA MVP to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade that would net Brooklyn Ben Simmons and other pieces.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported recently that the Nets and 76ers are discussing what would be a blockbuster in-season trade involving the two enigmatic All-Stars.
Brooklyn is “believed to be open to discussing a trade” involving James Harden and Simmons. Reportedly, both sides are planning to negotiate a blockbuster deal ahead of the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline.
We’re now hearing more on this courtesy of Nets head coach Steve Nash, who spoke to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Nash didn’t waste any time, responding with a quick “no” when asked if Harden would be dealt.
Related: Updated NBA trade rumors leading up to Feb. 10 deadline
James Harden trade now off the table?
On one hand, Nash didn’t flinch when asked about the availability of his superstar guard. On the other hand, it makes absolutely no sense for a head coach to publicly claim that a player is on the trade block. That would impact negotiations between the Nets and 76ers. We’ve seen these types of public denials, only to have a player traded shortly thereafter.
What we do know is that Mr. Harden has made it clear that he would prefer to stay with the struggling Nets. As for the other Nets stars, Kevin Durant is noting behind the scenes that he wants to make it work with Harden and disgruntled guard Kyrie Irving.
“Here’s where Durant is on James Harden. I’m told that he believed they could win multiple titles with him, Kyrie Irving and James Harden,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this weekend.” That’s why Kevin Durant pushed so hard to get Brooklyn to make that deal with Houston last year and he still believes that.”
- James Harden stats (2021-22): 22.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 10.2 APG, 41% shooting, 33% three-point
It’s natural that forming a super-team would come with some difficulties, especially if said team struggles on the court. It’s also natural for all sides to want to make it work before the marriages are ended.
As for a link to the 76ers, there’s some truth to this. Philadelphia front office head Daryl Morey worked with Harden during their days together with the Houston Rockets. The two are said to have a great relationship.
Related: James Harden and other top 2022 NBA free agents
Meanwhile, Harden will likely opt out of his contract and hit free agency for the first time in his career this summer. There’s no guarantee he’ll return to Brooklyn. With Simmons still having not played a single game with the 76ers this season, he’s readily available on the trade block, too. However, it was also previously reported that Philadelphia is alright with waiting until the summer to move the three-time All-Star point guard.
Any potential deal is complicated by the fact that Brooklyn and Philadelphia are rivals in the Eastern Conference and both view themselves as title contenders. With Durant sidelined, the Nets sit at a mere 29-23 and have lost seven consecutive. After a sluggish start to the season, MVP candidate Joel Embiid has his 76ers at 31-21 and one spot ahead of the Nets in the Eastern Conference standings.