James Harden’s situation with the Brooklyn Nets seems to be deteriorating after recent news that the superstar isn’t as happy in Brooklyn as he was with the Houston Rockets. Rumors have been swirling about a potential trade to the Philadelphia 76ers as they aim to get a star in return for Ben Simmons. While the rumors have seemed quite speculative so far, Harden’s continued absence for the Nets has been noticed.
The guard is suffering from hamstring soreness which has seen him miss the last 2 games for Brooklyn, who could fall as low as the 8th seed if they lose to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. And it seems that Harden will be unavailable for that crucial clash as well, with Nick Friedell of ESPN revealing that Harden won’t be playing.
James Harden says he’s not playing tonight vs. Celtics. This will be the third straight game he’s missed due to hamstring tightness.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) February 8, 2022
“James Harden says he’s not playing tonight vs. Celtics. This will be the third straight game he’s missed due to hamstring tightness.”
NBA fans don’t seem to believe that this has much to do with any actual injury for Harden, with many on Reddit suggesting that this could mean that Harden could be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers before the deadline.
MikeyMortadella: “See you at Delilah’s for the Suns game tonight, James!”
CIark: “Harden not even letting the Nets say if he’s playing or not. He gone confirmed.”
StormTheTrooper: “Understandable, usually it takes time for stars to heal from tradenitis.”
MrHallmark: “Honestly I want to see Harden go to Portland and Dame to Brooklyn just to stick it to Morey.”
moneybooy: “Trade him already!!”
3DCoolAndRanch: “That Dame and Harden back court is going to be a blast.”
DesignerRegular: “His hamstring gonna feel fine in Philly on Thursday.”
Soulstream: “This is some Jimmy ‘General Soreness’ Butler move.”
Cahillicus: “Harden: OUT (HeGoneitis).”
CarlosMedrano: “F**k you Kyrie, he’s definitely gone.”
The Brooklyn Nets are already without Kevin Durant and will be missing Kyrie Irving as the game takes place at the Barclays Center. A loss here would mean they drop below the Boston Celtics to the 8th seed and extend their losing streak to 9. While Harden being out certainly doesn’t mean a trade is on the cards, it’s a move that has raised suspicion among fans of the NBA.
