Let’s take a look at some NBA Rumors out of Brooklyn:
Nets ‘Well Aware’ of 76ers Interest in James Harden
Prior to the start of the regular season, James Harden opted not to sign an extension before the Oct. 18 deadline, but he said the Nets have “nothing to worry about” and made it clear he was focused on the long season ahead.
“Honestly, I’m just focused on getting healthy, getting my body right and then preparing for a great season,” Harden told reporters after the season-opening loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 19. “The contract, the money is going to be there.”
The former league MVP has a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season, but in the off chance Harden decides to jump ship for the second time in his career, Brooklyn is keeping an eye on a division rival.
Nets people are “well aware” that the Philadelphia 76ers have been a potential suitor for Harden if he doesn’t re-sign with the team next summer, Per SNY’s Ian Begley.
This isn’t the first time we have heard about Harden and Philly as it’s been reported that the Sixers were looking at the possibility of acquiring the nine-time All Star during the offseason, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. There are people in the Sixers front office who are “keen on the idea” of keeping Ben Simmons this season and using him in a potential sign-and-trade deal for Harden in the summer. It seems unlikely but anything seems possible in the NBA.
Kyrie Irving on Trade Block?
Kevin Durant and Harden continue to carry the team on the hardwood this season for the Nets, but Kyrie Irving has arguably received more attention than the duo for his stance off the court.
Irving has been away from the Nets throughout the regular season because of his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine. He said on Instagram Live his decision to not get vaccinated is about “doing what’s best for me.”
While there are local mandates in New York City, Irving is technically eligible to play games in cities without a local vaccine mandate. However, Nets general manager Sean Marks announced earlier this season that the 29-year-old wouldn’t be with the team until he could do so on a full-time basis.
If Irving plays this season, you’d have to imagine the possibility of the star point guard playing on another team.
Brooklyn remains open to at least discussing the seven-time All-Star in trade talks, per Per SNY’s Ian Begley. This comes following a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Nets have “taken incoming calls” about Irving but doubled down on Brooklyn not making any calls themselves to inform other teams he’s available.
It’s worth noting that the 76ers and Nets have not had any discussions in regards to a potential Ben Simmons-Kyrie Irving swap according to recent reports.
