PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 06: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
James Harden set to stay with the Nets after talks breakdown with 76ers
Brooklyn Nets star’ James Harden will stay with the franchise after talks did not materialise with the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the February 10 trade deadline.
However, the Sixers “strongly believe” Harden won’t re-sign with Brooklyn come the summer, which could make a negotiation a bleak possibility before Thursday. The 32-year old has been out for a fair share of games due to multiple injuries, which is a big factor for the potential trade away.
The worst-case scenario for Brooklyn would be if Harden meets with management this week and outrightly tells the team he wants to leave now rather than wait till the summer. This would make it a similar situation that the Sixers are now with Simmons.
The Brooklyn Nets (29-24) are 8th in the Eastern Conference, led by Miami Heat. The team is currently roughing out eight-game losing streak ahead of the match with the Boston Celtics.
Former Celtic Kyrie Irving will miss the fixture as the game is in Brooklyn. With Durant absent for a lengthy duration, it is vital that Harden steps up his recovery and improves his performances in the regular season.
Ben Simmons has been a bright ray of sunshine for the Sixers since being drafted as the top pick in 2016. With Embiid, the team reached the Conference semi-finals, but fell short at the wrong time. This time around, Embiid has been playing at an elite level, becoming a frontrunner for the MVP award.
Simmons, meanwhile, has made himself unavailable to play after declaring that he is not in the right shape of mind. The wantaway star is filled with talent and the potential to be a regular All-Star. The attitude issues with players and staff of the 76ers will always be a talking point.
The signing could be a hit if coach Steve Nash integrates Simmons with the likes of Durant and Irving. However, this is all just speculation, so we wait and see how the next 48 hours work out.
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