Despite all the rumors, it appears that the Nets will hold onto James Harden through the trade deadline, according to Jordan Schultz of Schultz Report.
“James [Harden] isn’t going to Philly; I’ll tell you that with absolute certainty,” the unnamed source said. “They called and we didn’t listen. We want to win a championship and trading James does nothing but hurt that goal.”
It would be wise for the Nets to hold onto Harden through this season and see if Kevin Durant‘s return could catapult this team back into championship contention. Kyrie Irving is still highly unlikely to get vaccinated, but New York City mandates could change with the decline of COVID cases, which would allow him to play games at the Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden once again.
If the Nets stumble out of the playoffs again, then there will be renewed speculation about Harden going to the Sixers with Ben Simmons going to Brooklyn in a potential sign-and-trade.
More NBA Rumors, News & Notes
- Grant Unlikely to Move: Jerami Grant appears unlikely to be dealt, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. His market has included the Wizards, Lakers, Jazz, Bulls and Timberwolves, among several other teams.
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Schroder-DiVincenzo Swap? – The Celtics and Bucks have discussed a deal surrounding Dennis Schroder and Donte DiVincenzo, Fischer relays (same article). Grant Williams could also be headed to Milwaukee in this scenario.
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Poeltl Back to Toronto? – Jakob Poeltl has been linked to the Bulls, Raptors and Hornets, according to Fischer. The Bulls are looking for a backup center to Nikola Vucevic.
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Timberwolves Are Busy: The Timberwolves are looking into acquiring Thaddeus Young with Taurean Prince heading to the Spurs, Fischer relays. Prince would prefer a buyout if traded from Minnesota and Young is expected to be bought out if he’s not traded out of San Antonio.
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Lakers Looking For More Shooting and Defense: The Lakers are interested in Josh Richardson, according to Fischer. Richardson is averaging about 10 points per game this season and could provide more shooting next to LeBron James and company.
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Latest on Mavs: The Mavericks remain determined to keep Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith despite strong interest from several different suitors, according to Fischer. The Pistons are heavily interested in Brunson, as they view him as a great fit next to Cade Cunningham, similar to the role he’s playing next to Luka Doncic in Dallas.
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Nuggets Available: Facundo Campazzo and JaMychal Green are considered available, according to Fischer.
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Latest on Magic: Terrence Ross is expected to find a new home, per Fischer. Gary Harris is also viewed as a buyout candidate if not dealt.
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Burks Generating Interest: Multiple teams are interested in Alec Burks, per Fischer. The Knicks are actively in several different trade scenarios.
