Last year, Nets general manager Sean Marks, said during a press conference that he is confident that both James Harden and Kyrie Irving will extend their contracts with the Nets. But despite his optimism, basketball writers are suggesting a different scenario for James Harden for next season.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, “By all accounts, the former MVP has clear intentions to reach unrestricted free agency for the first time, even if that would lead him back to the Nets”. Fischer also pointed out that Harden is “frustrated” with Irving being a part-time player for the Nets. And aside from that, Harden is allegedly “disappointed” by Steve Nash’s coaching style.
Harden never became a free agent since he started his NBA career 13 years ago. But as the February 10 trade deadline nears, free agency or a trade is a possibility.
Nash Questions the Report
During a pre-game meeting, Nash questioned Fischer’s report. He said “I just heard about these reports and I haven’t spoken to him about any of these things. I’m not sure what to believe. James and I speak all the time and have great relationship, so I’m not sure the validity of these comments, to be honest”.
During post-game, Harden also answered the reports. Harden said “I don’t know about any reports”. He continued saying “Of course, I’m frustrated because there’s a lot of inconsistency for whatever reason: injuries, COVID, or whatever you want to call it. Everyone in this organization is frustrated because we are better than what our record is and we should be on the way up. That’s all it is”.
Fischer isn’t the only one saying that Harden will become a free agent next season. There’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic and Marc Stein who used to work for ESPN and New York Times as their writer. ESPN writer Brian Windhorst and Philadelphia Inquirer writer Keith Pompey also wrote about the possible move next season.
How Did the Rumors Start?
The speculation started in October. Harden declined an extension even after Marks already said that both Harden and Irving would be extending their contracts. Fischer then speculates that there could be a sign-and-trade deal involving Ben Simmons during the off-season. Fischer also wrote that Harden is also open to going with Daryl Morey, his old Rockets GM in Philadelphia.
However, a sign-and-trade agreement isn’t exactly simple. Some writers speculate that such trade will most likely include other draft picks such as Philly’s defensive player Matisse Thybulle.
If Harden ends up as a free agent and somehow ended in Philadelphia, teaming up with Embiid and Morey could present the possibility of getting the championship that he wants. Since his days in Houston, Dwayne Wade’s titles have been a tough self-imposed yardstick for Harden.
