NBA

Steve Nash denies James Harden trade after talks with Philadelphia 76ers

Published by

Coach Steve Nash confirms Brooklyn Nets are not trading James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers

Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash has confirmed that star James Harden will not be leaving the franchise before the trade deadline on February 10.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets 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)

Nash also said Harden has repeatedly told his coach that he plans to stay in the city for a long time. He said on ESPN:

“I’ve talked to James; he wants to be here,” Nash said. “He wants to be here long term as well, so I don’t think anything’s changed other than noise from the outside. James wants to be here, we’re building with James and we think we have the best chance to win with James. I don’t think anything’s changed on the inside, in our locker room, in our communication, it’s just all the noise from the [outside].”

Harden, however, refused a contract extension in the summer dousing speculation over his future. If Harden declines his player option, he can sign a four-year, $200 million contract with a team that has cap space. Harden, a former MVP in 2017, with the Houston Rockets, has dropped off this season.

The 32-year old has been hampered with injuries to his wrist and hamstring. Harden has averaged 22.8 points, 9.9 assists and 8.3 rebounds in 30 games this season. He has also had very little time on court with fellow stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

The trio has played together for only 16 games since Harden joined in January 2021.

Related Post

Will Ben Simmons star for the Nets?

With concerns surrounding Harden’s fitness, many believe that Ben Simmons could rediscover his best form with the Nets. Currently, the Australian has made himself unavailable to play and has missed most of the season. The Nets will profit from avoiding such a trade, unless given more firepower.

Will we see Simmons at the Nets or will Harden rediscover his form again in Brooklyn?

More NBA news:

  1. Who leads the NBA in steals 2021-22?
  2. Stephen Curry tops NBA 3-point record list
  3. What are the Power Rankings in the NBA?

Follow our dedicated NBA page for instant NBA news and updates.

Share
Published by
Tags: Ben Simmons