James Harden repeatedly told Sean Marks he wanted to be a Net long term

Relationships with NBA stars can be delicate, but rarely are they mysterious. Little stays a secret within the NBA community, and Harden was quickly hedging on his future with the Nets, sources said. He kept telling Tsai and Marks he wanted to stay …

Relationships with NBA stars can be delicate, but rarely are they mysterious. Little stays a secret within the NBA community, and Harden was quickly hedging on his future with the Nets, sources said. He kept telling Tsai and Marks he wanted to stay long term, but simultaneously started canvassing player agents for advice on an eventual exit strategy to Philadelphia.

Source: Ramona Shelburne, Adrian Wojnarowski @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers says that he isn’t sure when James Harden will return to the court. Doesn’t seem too concerned about his hamstring, though #Sixers5:21 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers said he doesn’t know when James Harden will be ready to play. – 5:20 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers’ reaction to the #Sixers landing James Harden pic.twitter.com/Wx3q6GKVuQ5:19 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on what he expects James Harden to bring: pic.twitter.com/YiphxvXmIt5:18 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
As expected, James Harden and Paul Millsap are not with the team tonight, per #Sixers official. Both will miss tomorrow’s game too as they have to go through physicals – 5:06 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Nets say Seth Curry and Andre Drummond are questionable for tomorrow’s game against Miami. Ben Simmons remains not with the team. Sean Marks said he was in Brooklyn getting his physical done today. – 5:05 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Lindy Waters III said he first attended a NBA game as an OKC Hornets game. He said he also came to thunder games when KD, Russ, and Harden ran the show.
Same, Lindy. – 4:42 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
How the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers found themselves hammering out a James Harden/Ben Simmons trade with the deadline looming on Thursday. Story for ESPN+ with @Ramona Shelburne: es.pn/3uL3exo4:31 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Anyway, Harden’s fit in Philly is much more interesting to me than Simmons’ fit.
The push/pull of Harden’s ball-dominant PnR with Embiid’s post dominance. Harden adjusting to more pick-and-pop vs a rim runner. Harden on a D less inclined to switch. fun! theathletic.com/3123485/2022/0…4:28 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Kendrick Perkins going all-in on Sixers: “You added James Harden with the big Embiid, we could possibly be looking at the next Shaq and Kobe.” – 4:21 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
At DraftKings, the Sixers have been bet and lowered to +700 after the Harden-Simmons deal. And although still the favorites to win the NBA title, the Nets have been raised to +370 – 4:07 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
No James Harden tonight, but looking forward to this one in Philly. pic.twitter.com/L58XZFN2rt4:03 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
🏀 More pressure on Harden in Philly or Simmons in Brooklyn?
🏀 The Celtics’ trade for Derrick White
🏀 Porzingis for Dinwiddie and Bertans
#TheMismatch with @Chris Vernon and @Kevin O’Connor: open.spotify.com/episode/6Yu8IC…4:00 PM
Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne
The Nets asked James Harden if he was happy. “Don’t believe any of the rumors,” Harden would say. “If there’s a problem, you’ll hear from me directly.” As Thursday’s deadline approached, he finally told them—FaceTime to FaceTime. Story w/ ⁦@Adrian Wojnarowskiespn.com/nba/insider/in…3:52 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Normalcy isn’t really our thing, a Philadelphia 76ers story.
On Embiid being Hinkie’s Harden, on Morey getting the literal Harden to breathe new life into the franchise, and nutty path it took to get here.
dailysix.com/james-harden-a…3:49 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Sean Marks says James Harden didn’t feel Nets were right place for him to win: ‘The clock is ticking for him’
cbssports.com/nba/news/sean-…3:37 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
The Brooklyn Nets no longer needed to wait for Kevin Durant to get healthy, or for Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated, or for James Harden to make a decision about free agency.
It already seemed clear Brooklyn’s Big Three was never going to be what was hoped.
apnews.com/article/brookl…3:34 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
James Harden-Ben Simmons trade a unique in-season star swap between contenders nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/11/jam…3:10 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I spent yesterday doing a deep dive breakdown on how James Harden will fit in Philadelphia, and how Ben Simmons will fit in Brooklyn. Lots of video, lots of analysis on a deal that alters the landscape of the NBA dramatically: https://t.co/fCAlZFT2vE pic.twitter.com/u56H0WV7dI3:09 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: How much time do the #Sixers realistically have to win a championship with 32-year-old prolific scorer James Harden on the roster? https://t.co/WCInvy4gST pic.twitter.com/FGF2kwdbQM3:05 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: Nets general manager Sean Marks said Friday that while the decision to trade James Harden wasn’t easy, ultimately it was best for both Harden and the Nets to get a “fresh start.” es.pn/3sDUc2J2:58 PM
Ric Bucher @RicBucher
A Better Time and Deal for the 76ers to get James Harden shows.acast.com/bucher-and-fri… via @acast2:57 PM
Ethan Strauss @SherwoodStrauss
Why did ESPN’s main NBA news breaker screw up the Harden/Simmons deal? ($) houseofstrauss.substack.com/p/adrian-wojna…2:46 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
“I think the reason James Harden started acting up was the moment the Nets let Kyrie Irving come back.”
@Chris Haynes and @Vincent Goodwill breakdown a wild trade deadline and how we got here with James Harden on the Nets.
Subscribe to Posted Up ➡️ https://t.co/vpIrkg5yvx pic.twitter.com/1N33WEigwr2:40 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
The Harden-Embiid duo, a promising young Pacers core, the confounding Porzingis deal, and more trade deadline takeaways
theringer.com/nba/2022/2/11/…2:22 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
We will be breaking down the Ben Simmons-James Harden trade on NBA Today. But Suns fans, make sure to tune in! And @Rjeff24 has something he wants to get off his chest regarding the Oklahoma City Thunder… see you at 3 ET! pic.twitter.com/ZDO8wn0rBQ2:11 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Live with @George Karl. Come join us.
✅ Nuggets trade deadline
✅ Top 15 coaches list
✅ Harden, Simmons, Kristaps
✅ How do the Nuggets improve from here?
youtube.com/watch?v=a7z9OE…2:05 PM
Dave Mason @DeuceMason
So, the Lakers reached out to the Kings about a Hield-Westbrook trade package.
Post-trade deadline podcast with The Athletic’s @Sam Amick:
▫️Kings deadline moves
▫️Simmons-Harden
▫️What’s next for the Lakers?
🔊: https://t.co/42cPElNasF
📺: https://t.co/1hwTXfmUiz pic.twitter.com/jiTkCTGZpr1:55 PM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
‘It’s just the nature of the beast’: Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks talks James Harden trade, deflects tampering accusations against Sixers, acknowledges Kyrie’s vax status played into ‘frustration’ that led to mega deal ⁦@The Athletictheathletic.com/news/its-just-…1:20 PM
Ethan Strauss @SherwoodStrauss
I’ll be discussing my article on Woj/Harden/Simmons tonight at 10 pm PST with @Amin Elhassan. Join us! houseofstrauss.substack.com/p/adrian-wojna… callin.com/link/ZVbRfGKtoM1:16 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
“It’s two MVP-caliber players on top of what we have here already.” Tyrese Maxey was the first Sixer to publicly address the Harden-Simmons trade, and can’t wait to learn from one of the best scoring guards in NBA history. inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-…1:05 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Kyrie Irving was eager for Nets to trade James Harden nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/11/rep…1:02 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
My latest for @SInow: On the short-lived Harden-era Brooklyn Nets, who turned out to be one of the strangest cautionary tales in NBA history si.com/nba/2022/02/11…1:01 PM
Ethan Strauss @SherwoodStrauss
Incoming: Woj Trades Away the Story (Why did ESPN NBA’s main news breaker screw up the Harden/Simmons deal?) houseofstrauss.substack.com/p/adrian-wojna…12:55 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on ⁦@ForbesSports
Nets GM Sean Marks Says Kyrie Irving Is ‘Frustrated’ By Vaccine Mandate, Team Is Hopeful Conditions Change By Playoffs forbes.com/sites/adamzago…12:51 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Something it looks like I missed this morning in all the Harden chaos — Shake Milton is now questionable for tonight’s game vs. OKC. Getting him back would be a nice boost for Philly’s second unit – 12:42 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Brief James Harden/Sixers updates here, including confirmation of reporting this morning from @Kyle Neubeck.
Sixers with four games left before the All-Star break and it figures to be an interesting week:
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s…12:40 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Already reported by @Kyle Neubeck that James Harden is not expected to play this weekend, a source indicates the 10-time All-Star could even sit out the final four games before All-Star break, in order to let his left hamstring tightness resolve. – 12:33 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Quick rundown of some Harden housekeeping apart from the trade itself:
—Not playing this weekend
—No opt-in yet (but also no reason to panic)
—More intense practices/shootarounds to come, per Tyrese Maxey phillyvoice.com/sixers-james-h…12:25 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
FWIW, Nets GM Sean Marks regularly meets with the media and his friendly, open and forthright.
Knicks leadership hasn’t met with the media since September. – 12:24 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks didn’t accuse the Sixers of tampering with Harden. Said Harden, Joe Tsai and himself were the main people talking ahead of the trade. – 12:18 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Sean Marks said that the conversations about what would happen with James Harden were between the two of them and Nets owner Joe Tsai. – 12:16 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks said the Nets are in “cross that bridge when we come to it” mode with Kyrie Irving’s part-time status for the playoffs. – 12:15 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Sean Marks says Kyrie Irving continues to hope for “things to change” with regard to New York City’s vaccine mandate. Said that the Nets have too much to worry about right now to worry about whether he’ll be available for playoff games. – 12:15 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Nets GM Sean Marks says it’s too early to tell when Ben Simmons is going to play in games because he’s still undergoing physicals and having an MRI. Marks says it would be unfair for him to gauge when Simmons can play until Simmons gets on practice court with Nets. – 12:13 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks said it’s too early to gauge when Ben Simmons will play for the Nets. Need to see him on the court and with a few practices to figure that out. Hasn’t talked to Simmons about being the Nets’ primary ballhandler. – 12:12 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Sean Marks says it is too early to know when Ben Simmons will play. Says he’s still going through his physical now, and that it’s going to take time to get him acclimated to the Nets through practices and getting him back out on the court. – 12:11 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Sean Marks admits the most frustrating thing about this entire situation is that the Big 3 hardly ever were on the court together during their year-plus in Brooklyn. – 12:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks said had the Sixers not made a suitable for yesterday he was prepared to have Harden the rest of the season and figure out where to go from there. – 12:08 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We discuss the Lakers standing pat/having no good options at the deadline, what it means moving forward, Simmons-Harden and more. #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nba…12:07 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Sean Marks declines to elaborate on why James Harden felt he was better off playing elsewhere instead of trying to work through things in Brooklyn. Said he will keep those conversations private. – 12:06 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Sean Marks says the decision to move on from James Harden, after going all-in to acquire him, was not an easy decision to make. Said making the trade it allows both sides to have a fresh start. – 12:05 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Sean Marks says he had conversations with James Harden and Daryl Morey ‘over the last couple of days’ leading to the trade pic.twitter.com/D07z0WetwN12:03 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Sean Marks says Ben Simmons was in Brooklyn today to get his physical. He said Simmons is ecstatic about being in Brooklyn, and said the team is, too. Said the Nets are here to support him, and the rest of their players, however they can. – 12:03 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden is now a Sixer. Tyrese Maxey gives his reaction to the news and he is ready to learn from the former MVP. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/11/tyr… via @SixersWire11:52 AM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Jayson Tatum on Harden-Simmons trade shaking up East: “It happened, I guess. Each side got what they wanted and you move on. We gotta focus on the moves that we made and how we can get better as a team and we’ll gameplan for whoever when we play.” – 11:40 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jayson Tatum on James Harden/Ben Simmons trade: “It happened. Both sides got what they wanted.” – 11:40 AM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey on playing with James Harden and Joel Embiid together:
“It’s 2 MVP-caliber players, on top of what we have here already. I think one thing that’s really going to help us – the chemistry, and the brotherhood that we have here… It’s going to be great. I can’t wait.” – 11:33 AM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
For James Harden, there would be only two games after missing this weekend’s back-to-back before the All-Star break.
They are good ones, though: Home vs. Boston, at Milwaukee. Nothing official on when he’ll make his debut, though. – 11:32 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: With James Harden on board, how large is the #Sixers’ championship window? We’re thinking the next 3 postseasons: https://t.co/WCInvy4gST #76ers pic.twitter.com/1IPZekqQVx11:30 AM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Tyrese Maxey was the first Sixer to officially address the James Harden trade: “It’s kind of crazy. He’s one of the guys that you play with on 2K when you’re a younger kid.” Added one of his best friends from HS is “the biggest James Harden fan.” – 11:26 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Team official confirms @Kyle Neubeck’s report. James Harden is not expected to play this weekend. He has to come to the practice facility and be evaluated by the team’s medical staff. #Sixers11:19 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
As @Kyle Neubeck first reported, James Harden will not play for the Sixers this weekend. He will come into the practice facility this weekend to be evaluated by the team’s medical staff. – 11:18 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Tyrese Maxey said he hasn’t talked with James Harden or Ben Simmons since the trade.
He said he’s looking forward to learning from Harden and is willing to play whatever role he’s asked — even joked he’d back up Joel Embiid. – 11:14 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“James probably couldn’t see what we were getting into, obviously with my status being in-and-out, you know I saw a few things that maybe could have impacted things, but who knows.”
Intriguing comments from Kyrie Irving on James Harden.
Bunch more here:
bit.ly/3HJd5rj11:10 AM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey grew up watching James Harden on TV – now they’re teaming up. Maxey on Harden:
“It’s kinda crazy because [James is] one of the guys you’d play with on 2K when you were a kid.”
🤯 – 11:09 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
James Harden gave up on the Nets after playing just 16 games with KD & Kyrie Irving but it can’t be ignored that this situation was avoidable if either Kyrie had been vaccinated or the Nets hadn’t begged him to come back as a part-time player. One mess begat another begat the end – 11:06 AM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Because Daniel Theis was acquired using a trade exception from the Victor Oladipo trade, Dennis Schroder’s expiring contract is the last remaining player compensation Houston has from the James Harden trade. – 11:00 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
A team official also confirmed to @thephillyvoice that Harden is not expected to play this weekend. He’ll arrive in Philly area this weekend and will be evaluated by the Sixers’ performance staff at that time – 10:50 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
source familiar with the situation tells @thephillyvoice James Harden did not opt into the next year of his deal yesterday, as was reported elsewhere.
Sixers and Harden are both confident and feeling good about where they stand long term, but an important detail nonetheless – 10:49 AM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Lowe Post podcast: Annual instant recap of an absolutely wild trade deadline with @Bobby Marks: Simmons/Harden, what’s next for both teams, every big and small move of the week, additional scuttlebutt, more:
Spotify: spoti.fi/34OkEOA
Apple: apple.co/3HLqEGx10:42 AM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
From yesterday, on the Ben Simmons era ending and the James Harden era beginning for the Sixers: theathletic.com/3123952/2022/0…10:03 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
From last night: a look at where James Harden and Joel Embiid’s partnership might start from, lineup decisions, the staggering question, and more
phillyvoice.com/sixers-james-h…9:24 AM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
New for @The Athletic
– trade deadline awards. Sizing up the best, worst and weirdest of a wacky day, headlined by the Simmons-Harden blockbuster.
theathletic.com/3124615/2022/0…9:21 AM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Bobby Webster tells the FAN the James Harden-Ben Simmons swap has been “percolating” for two or three weeks. – 9:16 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
From last night’s game, Steve Nash and Kyrie Irving went into the departure of James Harden, while Patty Mills said he has Ben Simmons’ back as his fellow Aussie comes to Brooklyn: theathletic.com/3124575/2022/0…9:08 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
How The James Harden Trade Impacts Nets, 76ers Odds To Win 2021-22 NBA Title via @forbes forbes.com/sites/adamzago…8:30 AM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
In which @outsidethenba compares James Harden to Logan Roy cbssports.com/nba/news/brook…7:58 AM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
This week’s @FOX Sports News / @FOXSports Starting Five:
Five winners from the Harden-Simmons deal (everyone’s is a winner!)
youtube.com/watch?v=Minxf6…7:48 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The time James Harden crashed the championship game of a Philly summer basketball tournament inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 7:45 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
SUPERSIZED GAME THEORY TRADE DEADLINE PODCAST!
-@Michael_Levin chats all things James Harden-Ben Simmons
-@MoDakhil_NBA is here!
-Some Simmons-Harden fit stuff
-Porzingis to WAS?!
-White to BOS
-All the deals!
APPLE: https://t.co/hIOdTG6pmm
YOUTUBE: https://t.co/O5FrbAENSe pic.twitter.com/MiF7vbIpBC7:26 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The James Harden trade takes pressure off Daryl Morey … and places it on Doc Rivers | Mike Sielski inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 7:07 AM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
The Brooklyn Nets had the most efficient offense in NBA history in 2020-21, scoring 117.3 pts/100.
If Kyrie comes back full time (🤷‍♂️), they can still be historic.
Durant + Kyrie with Harden: 119.6
Durant + Kyrie without Harden: 122.1 – 6:51 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: How much time do the #Sixers have to win a title with James Harden on board? We’re thinking increased chances for the next three postseasons: https://t.co/OClJ1owuMd pic.twitter.com/TAYbWBYaWA6:45 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
The beard is here. James Harden is officially a new player of Philadelphia 76ers
sportando.basketball/en/the-beard-i…4:16 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie on James Harden: “I want everyone to be happy, do things they love to do & be part of things they can see themselves being successful at. It probably wasnt here with us. He made a choice & we respect him for it. No love lost.” #Nets nypost.com/2022/02/10/jam… via @nypostsports2:04 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
NEW GAME THEORY PODCAST!
SUPERSIZED TRADE DEADLINE SHOW!
-@michael_levin is here to chat all things James Harden-Ben Simmons
@MoDakhil_NBA is here!
-Some Simmons-Harden fit at the top
-Porzingis to WAS?!
-White to BOS
-All the deals and more!
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/watch?v=7KMYtP…12:51 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“For James we’ve had so much history … even playing together or even just watching each other from afar and it’s a mutual respect. I can’t really say that you feel that in the locker room, so to say, but we get hints. So we just wish him well.”
-Kyrie Irving on Harden trade – 12:39 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“James probably couldn’t see what we were getting into, obviously with my status being in-and-out, you know I saw a few things that maybe could have impacted things, but who knows….”
-Kyrie Irving on James Harden’s departure – 12:30 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kyrie Irving says his status as a part-time player with the Nets ‘maybe could’ve impacted things’ with James Harden nj.com/nets/2022/02/k…11:56 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
I’ve oddly been James Harden-adjacent a couple times in my career.
We were at ASU at the same time, but I covered football and WBB for the student paper.
We were in Oklahoma at the same time, but I covered Oklahoma State for The Oklahoman.
Now, here we are. Life is wild. – 11:42 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kyrie Irving on the James Harden trade: “I just want everybody to be happy, do things that they love to do, and be a part of things that they can see themselves being successful at. It probably wasn’t here with us. He made a choice, and we respect him for it. No love lost.” pic.twitter.com/YuN5anAVVG11:09 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Patty Mills calls the James Harden trade ‘a moment of staying together’: “I think it probably just narrows our focus a little bit more, and the distractions can now leave us and we can focus on the task at hand and still on what our goal has been.” – 11:09 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving on if he knew James Harden wanted to be dealt: “I can’t say that we feel that in the locker room; but we get hints.” Adds Harden had the power to force a trade, and “he put it on display.” #NBA #76ers #Sixers11:06 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Credit to Kyrie Irving. If he harbors even the smallest bit of ill will toward James Harden for requesting a trade, he hasn’t shown it. He is taking the high road. He seems to be at peace with everything that is happening. – 11:06 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
“We feel like we got better. And we’ll see where this race ends up,”Kyrie Irving says of the Harden-Simmons trade. – 11:05 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Irving said since he’s one to have asked for a trade he understands where Harden is coming from. – 11:03 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving on him being in and out of the rotation: “I saw a few things that maybe that impacted things (with James Harden), but who knows?” – 11:03 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving on whether he felt James Harden’s desire for a trade coming: “I can’t say that we feel that in the locker room, but we get hints. – 11:00 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Most points vs Clippers since James Harden in December 2017.
Luka Doncic with 51 and maybe counting. – 11:00 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
The last time a Clippers opponent scored 50 was James Harden in 2017. – 10:59 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kyrie on Harden: “He made a choice. We respect him for it. No love lost … we just wish him well.” – 10:59 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving says there’s no love lost with James Harden and “we respect him for” making the decision to orchestrate the trade to Philadelphia. – 10:58 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kyrie Irving says he just wants everybody to be happy and it probably wasn’t here with us for James Harden so he wished him well with no love lost. – 10:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving on James Harden: “Now that it’s official, we can finally say our piece to James and wish him well. Ultimately for me, I just want everybody to be happy.” – 10:58 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“As far as us, I think we definitely got we wanted guys who wanted to be here. Guys who want to play. And I think we’re excited about that.”
#nets Blake Griffin on the Harden-Simmons blockbuster – 10:55 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Blake Griffin said he thinks the Nets “got better” after trading James Harden for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond. “Ben was done there. You can see that from not playing. I think we definitely got what we wanted, guys that want to be here and guys that want to play.” pic.twitter.com/IoaXP50VxI10:50 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Blake Griffin was asked whether he agreed with Kevin Durant’s assertion that ‘everybody got what they wanted’ in the James Harden trade: “We definitely got what we wanted: Guys that want to be here and guys that want to play.” – 10:43 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Blake Griffin on the James Harden trade: “I think we got better.” – 10:40 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“I have not talked to James about unhappiness other than just typical day-to-day ‘how can we make this thing better,’ so no. I reached out to him, wished him the best of luck.” 
Steve Nash was asked if James Harden talked to him about being unhappy with the #Nets. – 10:37 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Jumped on Fox-5 with the great @JenXperience to talk the Harden trade and what it means going forward pic.twitter.com/GiXjuYbG5O10:33 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash said Sunday — and again today — that Harden wouldn’t get traded. So what changed? “You’d have to ask Sean [Marks] that.”
Why is the organization confident in acquiring a player, in Ben Simmons, who hasn’t played in almost a year?
“You’d have to ask Sean that.” – 10:28 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“You have to ask Sean [Marks] that.”
– Steve Nash was asked why the Nets were comfortable trading for a player in Ben Simmons who hasn’t played in a significant amount of amount of time. Nash adds he wishes James Harden the best and thinks he’ll be great in Philly. – 10:27 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash on James Harden: “I wish James the best. It was a pleasure to coach him and he’s a historic player… but we move forward now.” – 10:26 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nash said he texted Harden to wish him well. – 10:26 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash said he never spoke to James Harden about being unhappy in Brooklyn. He said he reached out to James after the trade to wish him the best of luck. – 10:21 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash is not surprised Harden was traded. Said as the deadline got closer it seemed more apparent. – 10:20 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash punts James Harden questions to Sean Marks. – 10:20 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash on the James Harden trade: “[We] really just look forward. We’re excited to incorporate these new guys into our group. I think they fill needs for us.” – 10:20 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash on the Harden trade: “Really just look forward. Excited to incorporate these new guys into our group.” – 10:19 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
KD passed 7 times on picking James Harden for his All-Star team pic.twitter.com/lGqN2UowOU10:15 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers’ trust in Daryl Morey re-ignites title dreams with James Harden trade inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 10:14 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Kevin Durant refuses to select Sixers’ James Harden in the All-Star draft show inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 10:14 PM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
“Embiid will spend the whole series trying to put his elbow in in Simmons mouth.”
@David Thorpe reviews the Simmons-Harden trade.
FREE FOR ALL: truehoop.com/p/nets-and-76e…10:13 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
What James Harden brings to the Sixers after blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 10:12 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Harden trade makes Sixers favorites in the East inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 10:12 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
An interesting day in Nets history:
They trade James Harden, acquire Ben Simmons and drop their 10th straight game — to Raul Neto and the Washington Wizards. – 10:10 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
If there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few years it’s that anyone who thinks the KD-Westbrook-Harden trio team ever had a chance is gravely mistaken – 9:52 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
James Harden & Ben Simmons are going to test the limits of tribute videos – 9:51 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris on the addition of 10-time All-Star James Harden to the @Philadelphia 76ers today:
“James Harden is one of the truly elite players in the league… We’re thrilled to pair him with Joel Embiid and this dynamic roster in our pursuit of an NBA title.” – 9:40 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #NBA story (trade official): James Harden and Joel Embiid give the #Sixers the No. 2 scoring duo in the league, behind the #Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Can Harden help the #76ers contend for a title? https://t.co/3f1U33V19i pic.twitter.com/SYo8Tc4cxF9:40 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
#Sixers officially announce the James Harden trade. pic.twitter.com/PgQje1Hco89:36 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets GM Sean Marks: “The decision to trade James was a difficult one, however after recent discussions with him and his representatives we felt that this move would be best for all involved, as it better positions us to achieve our goals this season and in the years ahead.” – 9:35 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Nets just officially announced Harden-Simmons trade. Stay tuned for postgame comments from Nash, Kyrie, etc. – 9:32 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The #Sixers trade for James Harden is official. Here’s managing partner Josh Harris’ statement: pic.twitter.com/c4Fwm2R5DM9:32 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
The James Harden-Simmons trade just became official, as did the #Nets requesting waivers on DeAndre’ Bembry. #NBA9:31 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Breaking down the Wolves standing pat at the deadline w/ @Britt Robson
On today’s show:
– Standing pat vs. tweaks to the bench
– The discourse surrounding Ant’s knee
– Fatigue + the drop off on defense
– The battle for the 6 seed
– The Harden-Simmons swap
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bri…9:31 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden will wear No. 1 in Philly #Sixers9:30 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks released a statement on the James Harden and Paul Millsap trade for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two future first-round picks. pic.twitter.com/PXp6YksRND9:29 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Nets have made it official, announcing that they “have acquired Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two future first-round draft picks from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap. “
More NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com9:29 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The James Harden trade is now official.
“James Harden is one of the truly elite players in the league. His career has been defined by incredible personal achievement, including honors as NBA MVP and three-time NBA scoring champion,” -managing partner Josh Harris #Sixers9:29 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fun Fact: Luka Doncic has made more 3s in one quarter (7) than James Harden did in his last 4 games (6). pic.twitter.com/FPHRwyIm5m9:27 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sean Marks: “The decision to trade James was a difficult one, however after recent discussions with him and his representatives we felt that this move would be best for all involved, as it better positions us to achieve our goals this season and in the years ahead.” (1/2) pic.twitter.com/hrEa72Dlgq9:27 PM

Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Nets GM Sean Marks in a statement: “The decision to trade James (Harden) was a difficult one, however after recent discussions with him and his representatives we felt that this move would be best for all involved…”
The Harden/Simmons trade is now official. – 9:27 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
The Nets have officially traded James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Sixers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two future first-round picks. Statement from GM Sean Marks: pic.twitter.com/TkOh8OoED89:27 PM

Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Nets and Sixers make trade official. Sean Marks in statement:
“The decision to trade James was a difficult one, however after recent discussions with him and his representatives we felt that this move would be best for all involved.” – 9:26 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets make the James Harden for Ben Simmons trade official. – 9:26 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The @Philadelphia 76ers make IT official:
The team has acquired 10-time All-Star James Harden. – 9:26 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The James Harden-Ben Simmons trade is official. – 9:26 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Joel Embiid is the vocal leader and the centerpiece of the Sixers. How will James Harden fit in?
@Rob Mahoney and @Logan Murdock break it down on #RealOnes: https://t.co/vhLqim1kwC pic.twitter.com/Tf822zfJGT9:21 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
One move, two stories for the Sixers: The end of the Ben Simmons era, the beginning of the James Harden era. Took a long road to get here, but what only matters is the result.
On how the Sixers ended up here and where they might be headed: theathletic.com/31239529:17 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
James Harden plans to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell @YahooSports. No. 13 is Wilt Chamberlain’s retired number. – 9:12 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
A post trade deadline edition of Posted Up with C. Haynes Podcast featuring @vgoodwill. We break down the James Harden-Ben Simmons blockbuster, the direction of Kings, what Portland is trying to do with Damian Lillard and where Lakers go from here.
🎧: https://t.co/c3qMSbOtXE pic.twitter.com/PbriCZIykn9:02 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
The take on the Harden-Simmons deal from myself and @Chris Haynes: best believe, KD was sick of Harden, too pic.twitter.com/dfdufmy8px8:59 PM

Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
Editing @David Thorpe trade reactions, coming soon on TrueHoop.com: “Harden and Embiid should mesh together on the court perfectly, and quickly.” – 8:58 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
My Mom on James Harden: “What did he leave for? What did he do with Brooklyn? He should’ve just stayed here. Houston fans would have always supported him.” – 8:40 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: Kevin Durant said he was, “happy we got guys who want to be part of this” after Brooklyn traded James Harden for a package led by Ben Simmons. He then made sure he wouldn’t have Harden on his team’s roster for next weekend’s All-Star Game.
espn.com/nba/story/_/id…8:13 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Lowe Post podcast: Annual trade deadline mega wrap-up with @Bobby Marks: everything on Harden-Simmons, plus breakdowns of almost every move of the week and some non-moves (hi, Lakers):
Apple: apple.co/3HLqEGx
Spotify: spoti.fi/34OkEOA8:10 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Who won the James Harden-Ben Simmons trade?
@Termineradio tells @Eddie Johnson why he likes the Nets more and reveals the player that gives Brooklyn the edge. 👀 pic.twitter.com/e8ar3aLAta8:00 PM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
LeBron ribs Durant on Harden trade, says he needs Darius Garland for ‘muscle’ after leaving cleveland twice. What an NBA All-Star Draft, ⁦@The Athletictheathletic.com/news/2022-nba-…7:53 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: #Sixers, Daryl Morey are pushing their chips into middle by trading for James Harden while holding onto young players Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle: https://t.co/3f1U33V19i #76ers pic.twitter.com/0mU1K3YUUv7:51 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Show James Harden’s efficiency numbers @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/Ck3RZEH0fG7:44 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Harden picked last as captains LeBron, Durant select All-Star Teams nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/10/har…7:38 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
James Harden has 0 margin for error in Philadelphia. He has not been able to make it work with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony & Dwight Howard.
The 76ers are Joel Embiid’s team. – 7:37 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
As a Rockets fan, do you want to see James Harden and Daryl Morey win an NBA Championship this season? – 7:37 PM
Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
I’m just here for James Harden demanding a trade from Team LeBron. – 7:37 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
New on BSJ: Trade deadline James Harden, Ben Simmons trade re-shapes the top of the East, and makes things a lot tougher for the rest
bostonsportsjournal.com/2022/02/10/tra…7:24 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#ICYMI The #Sixers acquire James Harden from #Nets in a deadline-day trade and end the Ben Simmons Saga inquirer.com/sixers/simmons… via @phillyinquirer – 7:23 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
2022 NBA All-Star Game Draft results: LeBron James takes Giannis Antetokounmpo first, James Harden picked last
cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-…7:17 PM
Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Full draft results for #NBAAllStar Game. As he ended up with James Harden, LeBron asked about Harden being injured pic.twitter.com/vWK5EQPqb77:14 PM

Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
I was convinced that LeBron was selecting Darius Garland first among reserves and that Kevin Durant was never, never, ever taking James Harden. Got one out of two right. – 7:12 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If LeBron had offered Durant a Harden trade that would’ve counted as his fifth ring would honestly be more impressive. – 7:08 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Kevin Durant wanted NO PARTS of James Harden on his #NBAAllStar squad 😭 pic.twitter.com/ozhl3Ecmm77:06 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
lebron isn’t [harden] hurt?
chuck: he’s going to play the next game
lebron: pic.twitter.com/MhOApCFbjb7:05 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron offer KD a Harden trade challenge. – 7:05 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
LeBron unable to keep from laughing at Durant’s refusal to pick Harden is the best draft moment in the history of drafts. – 7:04 PM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are on opposite All-Star teams again. And after they were the penultimate and final picks last year, Don goes a bit earlier this time, and Rudy proves at least more likable for KD than a certain James Harden. – 7:02 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
LeBron: “James (Harden), he hasn’t played. Is he healthy?”
Barkley: “He got traded. He’s healthy now!”
Durant finally broke his stone-faced expression and laughed. – 7:02 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
LeBron: “Is James [Harden] healthy? Is he playing?
Barkley: “He got traded, he’s healthy now! Trust me, LeBron, he’s playing the next game!”
LeBron: *cracking up* – 7:01 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Lebron to KD as he is left with Harden as the last pick, “KD, he hasn’t played. Is he healthy?” – 7:01 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#NBAAllStar draft just concluded. Last two reserves available: James Harden & Rudy Gobert. Durant has to pick one of them. Durant picks Gobert, while Lebron hides his face behind a clipboard while he’s laughing his behind off. Barkley, Kenny & Shaq were egging them on throughout. – 7:01 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Chuck on James Harden: “He got traded he’s healthy now.” – 7:01 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
lebron listening to kd talk himself explain gobert over harden pic.twitter.com/ZbTVCaJqEF7:00 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
LeBron James is a troll for not taking James Harden sooner. He is loving this. 😂 – 7:00 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
James Harden is the very last pick of the All-Star Draft. Kevin Durant passed on him for Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Khris Middleton, LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert.
LeBron and Barkley laughed knowing what was happening 😂 – 7:00 PM
Ryan Miller @millerjryan
And Rudy Gobert is picked second to last by Kevin Durant. KD wasn’t touching Harden 😂 – 7:00 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
The Sixers finally got James Harden. Now what?
A look at how Philly’s new co-stars might co-exist, lineup possibilities, the staggering question, and more: phillyvoice.com/sixers-james-h…7:00 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
James Harden taken last in the All-Star draft is something.
Says all you need to know about how Kevin Durant and the Nets feel about it… – 7:00 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Harden looking at KD right now pic.twitter.com/gQ2g6302go7:00 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
“Imma need some size for sure” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 KD picking Rudy Gobert over James Harden got me crying right now – 7:00 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
That boy KD do not mess with Harden no more 😂😂 – 7:00 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bruh, LeBron trolling KD and trying to force him into drafting Harden is PHENOMENAL television – 7:00 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Lmao! Kevin Durant picked Rudy Gobert over James Harden. That makes Harden the last pick of the All-Star draft and he will be selected by Team LeBron. #Sixers6:59 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
KD and LeBron trying to see who is going to take James Harden pic.twitter.com/wd5cdVWlsX6:59 PM

Zach Kram @zachkram
OK, the Harden All-Star draft wrinkle is deeply funny – 6:59 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Nets’ Kevin Durant passed on 76ers’ James Harden in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game draft seven times, selecting (in order) Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Khris Middleton, LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert. Harden was left as the last pick. – 6:59 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Harden is still available, KD. – 6:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
KD picking Dejounte Murray over James Harden got me weak right now – 6:57 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Will KD draft Harden? – 6:56 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
kyrie seeing both harden and kd choose joel embiid on the same day pic.twitter.com/i4AJoFOD1U6:51 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Nets’ Kevin Durant on integrating Ben Simmons, Seth Curry & new pieces after James Harden trade on TNT: “I feel like we’ve got versatile players. We’ll have to figure it out and figure out what works for us. I’m just happy we’ve got guys who want to be a part of this.” – 6:41 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Harden, according to sources, clashed with Durant and Nash about what type of offense the team should run and during games even criticized teammates and coaches to NBA insiders sitting courtside.
foxsports.com/stories/nba/ja…6:37 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Nets’ Kevin Durant on James Harden trade on TNT: “I’m excited for our team & looking forward to finishing the season out with this new group… The playoffs are right around the corner & we’ve got to fast track and get used to each other. I think everybody got what they wanted.” – 6:36 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
There are currently three NBA franchises on the hook for first-round picks in 2026 or later because of James Harden. – 6:10 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
So far no questions to Steve Nash directly about James Harden. – 6:08 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash can’t talk about the Harden/Simmons trade because it’s not official yet. – 6:05 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Most amazing part of the Nets and Sixers deal is the miraculous recoveries you can expect from Simmons and Harden. – 6:04 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Greetings from DC! Harden, Durant and the Nets vs. Beal, Dinwiddie, Harrell and the Wizards! Crackling with excitement! pic.twitter.com/KuxAh43frj6:00 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Here’s a column on the James Harden trade.
Touches on the scene in Camden soon before it broke, Doc Rivers on heartbreak in coaching, some of the deal’s potential regrets, and a massive move that should help the Sixers now:
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s…5:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nets head coach Steve Nash is set to talk to reporters in DC in 12 minutes. Nash recently told reporters the Nets had no intention of trading James Harden and doubled-down on that sentiment this morning at shootaround. – 5:48 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Seen so much Harden-Simmons today that I’m thinking about the little college in Abilene. – 5:47 PM

More on this storyline

Marks and Tsai spoke to Harden often, but he didn’t provide them the counter information he had been feeding to those outside the organization. “Don’t believe any of the rumors,” Harden would tell them. “If there’s a problem, you’ll hear from me directly.” -via ESPN / February 11, 2022
Over FaceTime calls, Harden told his GM and owner that he wanted a trade to Philadelphia, sources said. -via ESPN / February 11, 2022
Harden told them he understood, and they agreed he wouldn’t play until after Thursday’s trade deadline. Harden had checked out on the organization, a reality made clearer when Harden informed them that he was returning to Houston on Wednesday to wait out the deadline, sources said. The Nets were traveling to Washington having lost their ninth game in a row. -via ESPN / February 11, 2022