The Nets entered the season hoping to have the Big 3 of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving locked in to contract extensions, but as of now only Durant has signed a new deal. After Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks, Harden addressed starting the season without an extension, and pledged that he intends to stay with the organization.
“Honestly I’ve just been focused on getting healthy, getting my body right and preparing for a great season,” Harden said. “The contract, the money, is going to be there. I don’t plan on leaving this organization in the situation that we’re at. The contract and all that stuff will play itself out as it should. Definitely locked in on the season.”
The Arizona State product knows he has so much to prove this season. By his standards, last year was a disappointment for him. Not only did he fall short of his ultimate goal of winning a championship, but he also was unavailable to the Nets for important stretches due to injury.
“Last year was a whirlwind for me individually as far as my health and plans. I feel like I need to come back and show I am one of them ones. I am one of those guys, so I got a lot to prove for myself and that’s all I’m worried about.”
Nevertheless, Nets fans have nothing to worry about according to Harden. In the postgame press conference, he acknowledged how well the communication has been between him and the front office in working something out for an extension.
“From top to bottom the communication has been unbelievable. It’s been amazing. I feel at home.”
"I love it here…from top to bottom the communication has been unbelievable, it's been amazing. I feel at home" – James Harden pic.twitter.com/vo05K26K9o
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) October 20, 2021
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