NBA Rumors: 76ers Trade Target James Harden Has Sights Set on Nets

Lately, Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers. New rumors, however, indicate the veteran is searching for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Houston Rockets have made it clear lately that they intend to keep their high-priced former MVP James Harden happy in Houston. As Harden's rumored concerns regarding the direction of the organization came to life, though, it seemed Harden wasn't on the same page with his team.

Harden wasn't alone with his concerns. Rockets starting point guard Russell Westbrook is also unhappy with the outlook of the future in Houston. Late last week, Westbrook reportedly requested a trade from the Rockets.

Harden, on the other hand, told the organization he remains committed to them and that he's locked in for next year. A few days later, it seems Harden might not be fully committed to the Rockets after all.

On Sunday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Romona Shelburne, and Zach Lowe reported that Harden is quickly becoming intrigued with the idea of joining the Brooklyn Nets. As Harden searches for the first NBA Finals victory of his career, he's interested in potentially joining Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to form another NBA superteam.

"The idea of joining Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn is resonating with Harden, sources said," ESPN reports. "Durant and Harden -- past teammates with the Oklahoma City Thunder -- have recently discussed the possibility, but there have yet to be trade discussions between the two front offices."

A few weeks ago, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that teams were going to monitor Harden's situation in Houston. One of the notable organizations taking a look at the Houston All-Star is reportedly the Philadelphia 76ers.

As Philly's President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is the man responsible for bringing Harden to Houston back in 2012, the former Rockets General Manager could be interested in bringing the former MVP to his new team in Philly.

[RELATED: Don't Count on 76ers Landing Rockets' James Harden]

But it seems Harden's future elsewhere would have to be Brooklyn or bust. As the Nets are a desired destination for the veteran guard, he still remains content with staying in Houston too as he did mention before he'd like to finish his career with the Rockets regardless of what happens this year.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_


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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA