LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 03: Kevin Durant #7, Kyrie Irving #11, and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets get together during a time out in the first half of a preseason game against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Ever since James Harden has left Houston Rockets, the former MVP has developed an image of a ‘quitter.’ Why has that been the case? Harden left Brooklyn Nets just when the trio of Kyrie Irving, him and Kevin Durant could not prove to be an ideal connect.
While it was evident that all three of these mentioned players will not co-exist in one team, Harden was the first to request a trade out of Brooklyn Nets. Eventually the Beard was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, who was struggling with a back injury despite not even representing the Sixers in the entire span of 4-5 months, since the season began.
Speaking to FOX Sports: “I knew people were going to talk and say, ‘You quit’ and all that stuff, but then the following summer, the other superstar there wanted to leave. So, it’s like: Am I still the quitter?”
When Kevin Durant asked for a way out of the team, by requesting a trade, he as adamant on how the Nets did not look like a championship caliber team. Especially keeping in mind on how they got swept in the first round by Boston Celtics.
He said: “You seen what happened with our season, guys in and out the line-up, injuries. Just a lot of uncertainties which built a lot of doubt up in my mind about the next four years of my career.
“I mean, I’m getting older and I want to be in a place that’s stable. I had some doubts about that, and I voiced them to Joe Tsai [owner]. We move forward from there.”
The same was highlighted by James Harden. The primary reason why he wanted to join the Philadelphia 76ers was because of their championship aspirations and a set team. But keeping all in the past, the Beard urged on how he is focusing to win the ultimate silverware.