Will James Harden Get Traded Before The Deadline?
As of a few days ago, the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, Steve Nash, was sure the team would not trade guard James Harden.
“I’ve talked to James he wants to be here,” Nash told ESPN.
Things have changed, now according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski Harden wants to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers but has not formally asked for a trade. Harden is afraid of backlash for wanting out of his second team in consecutive seasons.
"I'm told that James Harden wants a trade to the 76ers. He wants it to happen today prior to the trade deadline. But he has resisted formally requesting that trade with the Nets organization."
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 10, 2022
—@wojespn pic.twitter.com/Qo954XH0vg
The NBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET if both sides would like to make a trade that is the target time to get the deal done. Both sides have yet to have serious conversations about the trade but they are expected to communicate Thursday. Both teams are assessing the risk-reward of the trade.
For the Nets if they decide to keep Harden they will have a frustrated player on a team that is looking to go on a championship run this year. Not only is the team on a nine game losing streak but there is frustration with Kyrie Irving, as he can only play in away games still due to the New York City mandate.
The Nets hope after the All-Star break they get Kevin Durant back from his MCL sprain. The team can make a push for a championship with their big three intact. If the Nets do keep Harden they will have to treat this situation like the Toronto Raptors with Kawhi Leonard in 2019. This is a championship or bust season.
Harden has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. He will miss his fourth as the Nets travel to face the Washington Wizards Thursday night. The Nets dropped to the eighth spot in the eastern conference while on their losing streak.
