The James Harden situation in Brooklyn has taken an interesting turn.
With just under a week remaining before the 2022 NBA trade deadline, The Athletic's Shams Charania broke the news that the 76ers are expected to pursue Harden in the coming days and that the Nets are now "believed to be open to discussing a deal" involving the nine-time All-Star and Ben Simmons.
While Charania added the Nets feel no urgency to make a deal, less than 24 hours later, The Athletic's Alex Schiffer reported "a source with knowledge of Harden's thinking said he's frustrated in general with his Nets tenure."
MORE: How would Harden fit next to Joel Embiid on 76ers?
None of this has exactly come out of left field. It's no secret the 76ers are interested in Harden, and Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported at the end of January that Harden is interested in "exploring other opportunities outside of Brooklyn" this summer for a variety of reasons. It doesn't seem like the chatter of him potentially leaving the Nets, whether at the trade deadline or in the offseason, is going away anytime soon.
How did we get here?
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The impact of Kyrie Irving's part-time availability
Prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, Nets general manager Sean Marks announced Kyrie Irving, who isn't allowed to play in home games because of his vaccination status, wouldn't play for the Nets until he was "eligible to be a full participant." The Nets later had a change of heart, allowing Irving to rejoin the team as a part-time player in mid-December. He is currently only eligible to play in the team's road games.
In his story, Fischer reported Irving's part-time status has been a source of frustration for Harden. Why? Because it's left him having to carry more of the offense.
Harden has been vocal to Nets figures and close contacts alike about his frustrations regarding Kyrie Irving's part-time playing status. A recent injury to Kevin Durant has exacerbated the issue, leaving Harden to shoulder the majority of the offensive burden during Brooklyn home games.
Irving has appeared in 11 games this season. The Nets only have 14 remaining road games before the playoffs, three of which — one in Toronto, two in New York — Irving will not be eligible to play in because of local vaccine mandates. As things currently stand, Irving would only be allowed to play in Brooklyn's road games in the playoffs as well.
Schiffer reported more recently that Irving's situation "hasn't been as much of a problem as one would expect" because "he's played hard when available," but it hasn't helped Harden's situation that Durant has missed extended time with an injury, leaving him as Brooklyn's lone star in many home games.
The Big Three's limited availability
A combination of Irving's part-time availability and injuries to Irving, Harden and Durant have limited Brooklyn's Big Three to a total of 10 regular-season games and six playoff games together since joining forces last season.
According to Schiffer, that's played a part in Harden's general frustration with his Nets tenure, once again because it's forced him to play a role similar to the one he had in Houston.
He came to Brooklyn expecting to be part of a three-headed monster, yet has played a similar role to what was required of him in Houston: having to be the guy.
Harden is playing 37.0 minutes per game this season, the fourth-most in the league and his highest mark since the 2015-16 season. His usage rate isn't nearly as high as it was at his peak, but he still ranks 24th in scoring (22.5 points per game) and second to only Chris Paul in assists (10.2 per game).
The Nets are 13-3 in the games Irving, Harden and Durant have shared the court, boasting an offensive rating of 129.1.
James Harden, Nets not seeing eye-to-eye
Beyond his role, Harden has reportedly been "disappointed" by Nets head coach Steve Nash's "fluid rotations" this season.
Nets coach Steve Nash's fluid rotations have also disappointed Harden, sources told B/R. Nash has favored hot-hand closing lineups, rather than a fixed crunch-time unit.
Harden's style of play has also reportedly been a "point of contention" from both the coaching staff and players.
But beyond availability, sources say there have been growing concerns over Harden’s playing style — one of dominant ballhandling and his own pace from his MVP and All-NBA days in Houston — that contrasts with the free-flowing, organic approach from his two co-stars. Nets coach Steve Nash has met with his team's stars over finding the balance and most beneficial styles, and although there have been bright spots, too often the team has reverted to a more dry offense at the end of games, especially against the league's elite teams.
In addition, the Nets' game plans tend to shift depending on when Harden is on and off the floor, meaning a different play style at certain points. This has also been a point of contention from the coaching staff and players, sources said.
According to NBA.com, only reigning MVP Nikola Jokic (100.6) is averaging more touches per game than Harden (92.6) this season. Harden is averaging 6.11 seconds per touch, putting him behind only Hawks star Trae Young (6.19) for the highest time in the league. Harden posted similar numbers (92.4 touches per game and 5.57 seconds per touch) last season.
Adjusting to life in Brooklyn
Last but not least, Fischer reported Harden has not enjoyed living in Brooklyn compared to his "days as a central Houston magnate."
Outside of the change in climate, the chasm between state taxes in New York versus Texas is quite obvious as well.
Harden has a $46.9 million player option in his contract for the 2022-23 season. If he decides to decline it, he will be an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with any team in the league.
Harden stands to make a lot more money if he re-signs with the Nets, but it's possible he could reach an agreement with Brooklyn on a new contract as part of a sign-and-trade deal.
In other words, even if Harden is still on the Nets' roster beyond the trade deadline, this situation is far from resolved.
