This NBA trade deadline saw one of the league’s most unfathomable trades go down because of the perfect set of circumstances. Both sides benefitted from the deal (in theory) and if they had not made the trade, each team would be in a worse position right now.
Of course, this is referring to the Ben Simmons for James Harden trade that the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets made. And while both teams may have been better off making the trade, that’s not how either team envisioned their season going.
NBA Rumors: James Harden told Kevin Durant he’d re-sign with Nets
One interesting piece of information that recently came out details Harden’s relationship with Kevin Durant. While it may not be great anymore, Harden apparently made a commitment to Durant this past offseason.
According to NBA rumors from Logan Murdock of The Ringer, Harden and Durant went on a trip to Greece together this past summer. On that trip, Harden reassured Durant two different times that he would re-sign with the Nets. (H/T Bleacher Report)
Obviously, that did not happen, as mere months later Harden is competing for a title with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia and Durant is trying to drag Brooklyn out of the Play-In and on a playoff run.
Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status and subsequent ability to play very clearly took a toll on Harden. With Durant out due to injury for an extended period of time, Harden was left to carry the load.
He quickly got frustrated and decided to haphazardly force his way out of Brooklyn. There were other factors that played a part in his decision, too, such as his close relationship with Sixers GM Daryl Morey, but it was clear that he was fed up with things in Brooklyn.
After going back on his word, it’s hard to imagine that Harden and Durant have a great relationship anymore, but Murdock also noted that Durant is just worrying about himself from here on out.
It’s not surprising that Harden told Durant that he would re-sign, and it’s not even too surprising that he left at the first sign of danger. But it was surprising to watch everything unfold in the way that it did.