As the old saying goes, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Former NBA MVP James Harden is figuring that out the hard way after requesting a trade from the Houston Rockets last season and ending up with the Brooklyn Nets.
There were grand plans of the Nets becoming perennial contenders with their new Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Harden. That was as much firepower as any team in the NBA possessed, but things have not gone according to plan.
Last season’s playoff run was deterred by injuries, as Harden battled a hamstring injury and Irving was sidelined as well. Harden tried gutting it out, but it was clear that he was hampered by his balky hamstring.
The 2021-22 season has presented new challenges for the Nets to overcome and it is something that James Harden is getting tired of. There have been some rumors recently that he will ultimately end up back with Daryl Morey on the Philadelphia 76ers after they tried but were unsuccessful in acquiring him from the Rockets.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: ‘Reigning Thought’ Is James Harden Will Join Sixers
Over at Bleacher Report, an NBA insider detailed what has changed when it comes to James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets. Jake Fischer shared the report, which is a gloomy one for anyone that was hoping Brooklyn would become the next dynasty in the league.
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.
Because of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in New York City, Irving is not allowed to play in games at Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden. He remains unvaccinated and it does not sound like he plans on receiving his shot any time soon to become a full-time player.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: ‘Reigning Thought’ Is James Harden Will Join Sixers
The Brooklyn Nets originally were not allowing Irving to play until he was eligible full-time, but changed their stance around Christmas, when positive tests were on the rise. They could certainly use him being full-time now with Kevin Durant sidelined for a few weeks.
With Durant sidelined, the lineup needs some adjustments. That is another thing that has bothered Harden, as head coach Steve Nash does not run a set lineup, instead, going with who is playing well at the time.
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.
While it is good to reward players who are performing well, that hurts their chances of building chemistry and cohesion. It is hard enough to do when a star player such as Irving can only play in half of the games, but Nash isn’t making it any easier not having a crunch time lineup ready to go.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: ‘Reigning Thought’ Is James Harden Will Join Sixers
Financially, living in Brooklyn compared to Houston is a major change as well. The city is another thing that could ultimately lead to James Harden departing in the offseason.
His new city could also be an issue. According to multiple sources, 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.
With Kyrie Irving also possibly becoming a free agent this summer, the Brooklyn Nets could be in a very tough spot. There is a very real scenario in which Kevin Durant is the only player from their Big 3 left on the roster at the start of the 2022-23 season.
