Kyrie Irving fires back after report that he wanted James Harden out of Brooklyn

Kyrie Irving: Lol I guess this is “breaking news” media nowadays. Keep my family name out y’all Simpleton articles. The Puppets are running wild Again Source: Twitter @TheAthleticNBA What’s the buzz on Twitter? Emiliano Carchia @ Sportando The beard …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

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 @nypostsports – 2:04 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
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Is Kyrie confident NYC vax mandate gets pulled? “Just keep praying … Where those cards may fall, I’ll leave that to the politicians and everybody doing what they’re supposed to be doing on the front lines so I just respect that and see where we end up.” – 11:52 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
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“Just keep praying,…where those cards may fall I leave that to the politicians and… on the front lines so I just respect that and see where we end up.”
-Kyrie Irving was asked about possible changes to local mandates allowing him to build chemistry with Ben Simmons – 11:12 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/YuN5anAVVG – 11:09 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
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kyrie Irving says he respects Ben Simmons IQ as a player and ability to play different positions. Adds he’ll welcome Simmons with open arms. – 11:07 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 #Sixers – 11:06 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
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
“We’ll finally get to hear from him and hear his side,” says Kyrie Irving when asked about Ben Simmons experience in Philly. Added he will welcome him with open arms. – 11:05 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving: “I want everybody who was involved with this to be at peace.” – 11:05 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving on how the Nets will welcome Ben Simmons after his ‘break-up’ with the 76ers: “Open arms. Open arms. I think we’ll finally get to hear it from him and hear his side.” – 11:05 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving said he’s known Ben Simmons since he was in Australia when Simmons was in 16. Adds he’s pumped to reunite with Curry and Drummond can fill a need. – 11:04 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Kyrie:
“Now that it’s official I think we can say our peace to James and wish him well. For me, I just want everybody to be happy and do things that they love to do and be a part of things that they can see themselves being successful at. And it probably wasn’t here with us…” – 11:04 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
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“We have families to think about, we have our futures to think about…,”
-Kyrie Irving says he’s learned to be empathetic and patient with others because of his own situation.
Irving was also asked what makes him personally happy and he didn’t want to answer that one. – 11:02 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving to the media: “It’s good to see y’all here when national news comes here.” – 11:02 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
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
James Harden gad become extremely annoyed with Kyrie Irving, as illustrated by a sage-burning incident story in Cleveland …
cbssports.com/nba/news/james… – 10:59 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving: “You never really know what people are going through or what they’re gonna decide to do.” – 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
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
LET’S GO GIANNIS! If he scores 30 points against the Suns, I’ll win $200 on @PrizePicks! 👀🤞
Shout out to Bam Adebayo, Pascal Siakam, Norm Powell and Kyrie Irving for doing their part! pic.twitter.com/3v0bH27ari – 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
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving on the trade: “Now that it’s official we can say our peace to James and wish him well. 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/IoaXP50VxI – 10:50 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
More Blake Griffin on Ben Simmons’ fit: “A lineup of Ben, Kevin, Kyrie, Patty, Seth — whoever you want to put out there — there’s a lot of attention being placed on those guys.” – 10:47 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Blake Griffin said the Nets’ spacing and the attention focused on stars should allow Ben Simmons to play ‘a little bit more free’: “The beauty of playing with Kyrie and KD is they go out and hoop. … I can see Ben for sure handling and getting us into action.” – 10:46 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/GiXjuYbG5O – 10:33 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/lGqN2UowOU – 10:15 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
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Final: Wizards 113, Nets 112
Kuzma: 15 pts., 13 rebs., 10 assts.
Neto: 21 pts., 1 reb., 6 assts.
Irving: 31 pts., 5 rebs., 6 assts. – 10:10 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
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Brooklyn (with Kyrie) just lost to a shell of a team in Washington. That is 10 straight losses for the Nets.
Charlotte (9th seed) and Atlanta (10th seed) are each just two games back of the Nets in the loss column. – 10:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets lose to the Wizards 113-112. Cam Thomas milked a little too much clock there at the end, IMO. The losing streak is 10. Irving with 301 Thomas with 27. BK heads to Miami for Saturday’s game. Let’s see what everyone has to say about today’s events. – 10:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving with four 30-point games in 13 games. – 10:05 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Anthony Gill lucky not to give up a game-tying and-1 to Kyrie Irving
Irving missed the layup, but makes both his free throws
Wizards ball up 111-110 with 7.3 seconds left out of the timeout (none left) – 10:05 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/SYo8Tc4cxF – 9:40 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
#Sixers officially announce the James Harden trade. pic.twitter.com/PgQje1Hco8 – 9:36 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/c4Fwm2R5DM – 9:32 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
The James Harden-Simmons trade just became official, as did the #Nets requesting waivers on DeAndre’ Bembry. #NBA – 9:31 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 #Sixers – 9:30 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/PXp6YksRND – 9:29 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.com – 9:29 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 #Sixers – 9:29 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/FPHRwyIm5m – 9:27 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/TkOh8OoED8 – 9:27 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/Tf822zfJGT – 9:21 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/3123952 – 9:17 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/PbriCZIykn – 9:02 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/dfdufmy8px – 8:59 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
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kyrie’s got 17 points in the first half. The Nets defense still isn’t great but it’s a more spirited effort than we’ve seen at other points in the last week. Brooklyn shooting 53.5 percent from the field so far. – 8:43 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Nets lead the Wizards 59-55. Kyrie Irving has 17 points, Cam Thomas has 11. Brooklyn shooting 60 percent from 3. Four turnovers that have been harmless. – 8:42 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
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Score after 1.
#DCAboveAll 24
#NetsWorld 27
Deni Avdija 7 | Kyrie Irving 6 – 8:13 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
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets lead the Wizards 27-24. Kyrie Irving, Cam Thomas and Blake Griffin all have six points apiece. – 8:12 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/34OkEOA – 8:10 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/e8ar3aLAta – 8:00 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 Athletic⁩ theathletic.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/0mU1K3YUUv – 7:51 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Show James Harden’s efficiency numbers @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/Ck3RZEH0fG – 7:44 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
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from DC. It has been a day. Nets-Wizards tip shortly. The real juice will be postgame when we expect Steve Nash to be able to talk about the trade. For now it’s Kyrie Irving and co. against Kyle Kuzma and friends. My bet is the losing streak ends. Updates to come. – 7:33 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/vWK5EQPqb7 – 7:14 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/ozhl3Ecmm7 – 7:06 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
lebron isn’t [harden] hurt?
chuck: he’s going to play the next game
lebron: pic.twitter.com/MhOApCFbjb – 7:05 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron offer KD a Harden trade challenge. – 7:05 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Despite the trade deadline and a short handed roster, Kyrie Irving will start tonight alongside Patty Mills, Blake Griffin and rookies Cam Thomas and Kessler Edwards against the Wizards tonight. – 7:04 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
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters vs. the Wiz: Irving, Mills, Thomas, Edwards and Griffin. – 7:03 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/ZbTVCaJqEF – 7:00 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/gQ2g6302go – 7:00 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. #Sixers – 6:59 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
KD and LeBron trying to see who is going to take James Harden pic.twitter.com/wd5cdVWlsX – 6:59 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/i4AJoFOD1U – 6:51 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/KuxAh43frj – 6:00 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
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Biggest trade deadline winners:
1. Brian Windhorst
2. Ben Simmons/Klutch
3. #NBATwitter
4. Nets
5. Sixers (until they give Harden a max extension) – 5:18 PM
Shandel Richardson @ShandelRich
Can James Harden pull a Jimmy Butler in Philadelphia? #miamiheat si.com/nba/heat/miami… – 5:14 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The max extension James Harden can sign in six months:
22-23: $47,366,760 (player option)
23-24: $49,735,098
24-25: $53,713,905
25-26: $57,692,712
26-27: $61,671,519
Total: $270,179,994
Harden would earn more on this deal than he has in his entire career thus far, per Spotrac. – 5:13 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
The Sixers without James Harden vs. the Sixers with James Harden pic.twitter.com/NSCNsJwjKB – 5:10 PM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
When the Nets were last in Cleveland, Kyrie Irving lit some sage. James Harden looked at him like he had three heads. Why did Harden want out of Brooklyn? Kyrie had something to with it. First thoughts, ⁦@The Athletic⁩ theathletic.com/3123409/2022/0… – 4:49 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
1995: Rockets give center Hakeem Olajuwon 32-year-old guard Clyde Drexler, win title as #6 seed
2022: 76ers give center Joel Embiid 32-year-old guard James Harden, ???? – 4:18 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – James Harden headed to Sixers and reunion with Daryl Morey ift.tt/wgmIVsz – 4:18 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I was skeptical, but Daryl Morey was absolutely right to put everyone through this six-month odyssey with Simmons, keeping him on the roster until a superstar got unhappy.
His plan worked about as well as it could have. Sixers weathered storm as top-5 team. Now have Harden. – 4:01 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
James Harden out. Ben Simmons and co. in. Ask me anything twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 3:53 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Whether Daryl Morey is right about Harden remains to be seen, but he deserves a ton of credit. Didn’t cave to any pressure in taking cents on the dollar for Simmons and gets his guy in time to make a playoff run this year. And Michael Rubin gets a big assist!!! – 3:49 PM
Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Grading the Harden-Simmons trade: es.pn/3gztxym (ESPN+) – 3:46 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
New for ⁦@YahooSports⁩: Scary hours? The Brooklyn experiment was soulless, empty and left no lasting impact. No big moments, just complaints and questions. Now James Harden moves to a nightmare on Broad Street sports.yahoo.com/as-james-harde… – 3:42 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Games played together:
19 — Tom Brady and Antonio Brown
16 — Durant, Kyrie and Harden
(Submitted by @AhaanRungta) pic.twitter.com/I8jtfZEadx – 3:41 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Greatest NBA Bromances of All Time
Lowry and DeMar
Bobi and Tobi
Harden and Morey pic.twitter.com/JW3DOB4sLQ – 3:37 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“Daryl Morey absolutely won today.”
@Howard Beck reacts to James Harden going to the @Philadelphia 76ers
#HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/9g0u89GgP8 – 3:35 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers story: James Harden and Joel Embiid give the #76ers the No. 2 scoring duo in the #NBA, behind the #Bulls’ DeRozan and LaVine. Can Harden help Philly contend for a title? https://t.co/yYcPEC3lQC pic.twitter.com/ZCQVh69f5n – 3:30 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nets roster as it stands:
– Kevin Durant*
– Kyrie Irving
– Ben Simmons*
– Joe Harris*
– Patty Mills
– Seth Curry
– Andre Drummond
– LaMarcus Aldridge*
– Nic Claxton*
– Blake Griffin
– James Johnson
– DeAndre Bembry
– Bruce Brown
– C. Thomas
– K. Edwards
– D. Duke Jr
– D. Sharpe – 3:27 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Russ/KD/Harden: 24 playoff wins in 3 seasons
Kyrie/KD/Harden: 16 games played together in 2 seasons – 3:19 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
First time I noticed something was off — when Kyrie Irving was set to return. This was back on Dec. 30.
James Harden did not look happy talking about it. pic.twitter.com/Ws774dPeOi – 3:18 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Sounds like #Sixers aren’t making any other moves after blockbuster James Harden trade. – 3:06 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
Legendary High School Coach Of Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving Says They Will Complement Each Other With Brooklyn Nets forbes.com/sites/adamzago…
@MVABasketball
@coachkevinboyle
@NIBCOfficial
@BrooklynNets – 3:02 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
▶️ James Harden to Philadelphia
▶️ Ben Simmons to Brooklyn
▶️ Kristaps Porzingis to Washington
@EvCoRadio and @Howard Beck break down all these deals in the final hour of NBA Radio’s Trade Deadline Show!
Listen now: https://t.co/AYipQpeyBw pic.twitter.com/uyH5seAEPv – 2:58 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
There was real pressure on the Sixers to get this done today.
Harden comes with his risks but if Simmons was on this team for the rest of the year, the Sixers’ title odds were zero. We can argue what type of chance they have now, but the fact of the matter is they now have one. – 2:53 PM
Tina Cervasio @TinaCervasio
So is it a Brooklyn Big Three anymore? I think no … #Nets more like 1 1/2 when Durant comes back. BUT I’m liking Harden for Simmons (Seth Curry & Andre Drummond) trade. Ben brings youth, hops, pace …& fresh legs! (Kinda sarcastic but true!). What do you think? #NBATradeDeadline – 2:49 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
What an insane NBA trade deadline! We’ve now seen trades involving James Harden, Ben Simmons, Domantas Sabonis, CJ McCollum, Tyrese Haliburton, Caris LeVert, Kristaps Porzingis, etc. 😱
twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 2:44 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
You can on a dozen riffs about how the James Harden-Ben Simmons situation is bad for the NBA but too many examples, for too many years, have shown that disgruntled players should raise whatever hell they can – quit, be a jerk, leak like a faucet – to make sure they get traded. – 2:43 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving were born in the same city in Australia (Melbourne).
Just a random fact for you. – 2:38 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
RJ making a lot of excellent points. Ben Simmons will play at 100MPH while James Harden has played at 33 MPH. Adding to the pace will open the Nets offense up as well, but that will fall on Steve Nash to create a system that best suits their newest talents. – 2:36 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Here it is. My story on the Nets’ decision to trade James Harden for Ben Simmons, giving Brooklyn a new look big three and a whole new set of questions: theathletic.com/3123086/2022/0… – 2:35 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
It’s really wild that John Wall got to Houston and watched the Rockets trade Victor Oladipo, Washington trade Russell Westbrook and Brooklyn trade James Harden – 2:27 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Richard Jefferson, as ESPN shows a highlight reel of James Harden giving 0 effort on defense: “Can you believe that the Brooklyn Nets were willing to trade him? I can’t!” – 2:26 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Better phrase to emerge from James Harden’s Brooklyn era? “Scary hours” or “Deal Zone.” I kind of like “scary hours.” “Deal zone” sounds like a car commercial that comes on too often during local broadcasts of games. – 2:23 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
People in touch with BKN on Thursday morning said club was comfortable with keeping James Harden on roster post-trade deadline if PHI didn’t meet its asking price. BKN wanted Matisse Thybulle, didn’t get him but found deal they liked to send Harden to PHI: pic.twitter.com/n2JjRVAHGl – 2:20 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
How will James Harden and Joel Embiid fit together in Philadelphia?
We’re discussing that now: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 2:20 PM
Bryan Kalbrosky @BryanKalbrosky
Since his first NBA game, Ben Simmons has assisted more 3-pointers per 100 possessions than everyone in the league except for Chris Paul.
He now joins a team with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, and Seth Curry.
bit.ly/3oEFF5H – 2:19 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“This is one of those trades where I can say both teams won.”
@adaniels33 & @Rick Kamla react to the trade that sends James Harden to Philadelphia on Give & Go.
📻 https://t.co/AYipQpw9t4 pic.twitter.com/ZdcMBt8MwU – 2:18 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Found this from @Derek Bodner‘s excellent Daily Six newsletter helpful re: James Harden’s financial future.
Picking up player option, per @Shams Charania, and then signing an offseason extension, makes him eligible for five-year, $274.6 million extension (Scenario 2). pic.twitter.com/KkETCnC8vv – 2:18 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets-Sixers trade doesn’t impact the roster for tonight’s game. Kyrie Irving rejoins the team with Blake Griffin, Patty Mills, Blake Griffin, the young lads and so on. – 2:18 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
James Harden is one of 26 players in NBA history to score at least 3,000 career points in the postseason.
Only three of those players have not won an NBA title: Harden, Elgin Baylor, and Karl Malone. pic.twitter.com/N5UNcNYz2Q – 2:16 PM
Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
When #Cavs center Jarrett Allen, a former Net, was asked about the deal, he said, “We all saw it coming.” James Harden to #76ers , Ben Simmons to #Nets in blockbuster trade deadline deal usatoday.com/story/sports/n… via @USATODAY – 2:15 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
James Harden traded for Ben Simmons in #Nets–#76ers blockbuster nypost.com/2022/02/10/jam… via @nypostsports – 2:14 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
The big fireworks are over, but immediate next step is Sixers looking at the market for a backup big with Drummond outgoing in the Harden deal. Chance for a small pre-deadline deal or a potential buyout opportunity later. About 45 mins left before the deadline! – 2:13 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Seems like once Harden said “I’ll inject (Kyrie) myself” and Kyrie took the “I’m good” approach, everything went downhill from there – 2:10 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Nets trading James Harden to 76ers for Ben Simmons nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/10/net… – 2:10 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #NBA story: #Sixers are going all-in to win a championship by trading for James Harden while holding onto youngsters Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle: https://t.co/yYcPEC3lQC #76ers pic.twitter.com/g197lS14HF – 2:10 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The last decade of NBA history has generated some doozies, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like what just happened with James Harden is the single most unbelievable series of transactions of the player empowerment era. Holy shit imagine hearing this 13 months ago. – 2:07 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Second cap sheet update of the day is live for subscribers with Derrick White in Boston and the Harden-Simmons deal: duncdon.supportingcast.fm/posts/2022-tra… – 2:07 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
The James Harden trade (Versions 1 + 2) ends up like this for Nets:
Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, Rodions Kurucs, 2022+2024+2026 1sts, & four 1st rd swaps
for
Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, 76ers 2022 + 2027 1sts, 2024 Cavs 2nd, 89 games from Harden – 2:07 PM
Steve Kyler @stevekylerNBA
A couple of deadline thoughts — I actually like the fit of Ben Simmons in Brooklyn, they don’t need him to be anything more than Ben – Harden was not bought in, so this works for both… I love PJ Dozier in Orlando. – 2:06 PM
Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
it should be noted that James Harden reunited with both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant after that infamous 2012 trade, and both stints were short lived and ended badly. – 2:06 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Most career triple-doubles by a player with fewer than 82 games played for a franchise:
38 – Russell Westbrook (WAS)
21 – James Harden (BKN)
8 – Westbrook (HOU)
6 – Elfrid Payton (NOP)
6 – Rajon Rondo (SAC)
* Westbrook (LAL) not included, but may be before the end of the day 😅 – 2:06 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Greater Nets Big 3 legacy: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Deron Williams . . . or Durant, Harden, Irving? (Yes, that first Nets team also had Joe Johnson.) For my part, I’ll take Julius Erving, John Williamson and Larry Kenon. – 2:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
With news that James Harden is opting in for 2022-23, here’s what his max extension could look like courtesy of the article I wrote for @spotrac last week:
spotrac.com/research/nba/t… – 2:02 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Biggest winner of the Nets trade might be Kevin Boyle and @MVABasketball. He’s now got three former players in Brooklyn with Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and Day’Ron Sharpe. Nets are just a commercial for him now. – 2:02 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Breaking down the blockbuster James Harden for Ben Simmons trade live on @Stadium NBA Trade Deadline show: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 2:02 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
The latest from my and @Anthony Chiang ‘s continuously updated NBA trade deadline blog: Josh Richardson traded again; the Harden/Simmons blockbuster and everything that has happened today: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 2:00 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
The work Harden did to make it clear it was time to move him, after Nets had so clearly on and off the record said they wouldn’t, is as good as it gets. But, certainly understand his side as well. – 1:59 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
As part of deal, new 76ers star James Harden is opting into his $47.3 million player option on contract for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 1:57 PM
Chiney Ogwumike @chiney
thoughts on the Ben Simmons x James Harden trade? 👀 – 1:55 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
It’s also a great day for @Daryl Morey, who can now tweet about James Harden again without getting fined. pic.twitter.com/YEiVvPMfYq – 1:53 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Harden has to wear #25, right? – 1:51 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
At guard: Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving. At forward: Kevin Durant and let’s say Serge Ibaka. At center: Joel Embiid. Sixth man: Russell Westbrook.
You could make a pretty good team out of James Harden teammates. – 1:51 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The #Sixers acquire James Harden in a deadline-day trade and end the Ben Simmons saga inquirer.com/sixers/simmons… via @phillyinquirer – 1:50 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
I like the idea of Simmons and Curry with KD and Kyrie…
I liked the idea of Harden with KD and Kyrie…
I liked the idea of Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert with KD and Kyrie… – 1:49 PM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
James Harden has played with Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Kevin Durant. Now Joel Embiid. No one has ever had this many great teammates. – 1:48 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think we all need to spend today bothering @mutsack and @mutsackcraig for a Game of Zones special on the Harden-Simmons drama. Come on guys, you know you want to. – 1:48 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
NBA trade deadline updates: Blockbuster Harden-Simmons deals changes face of East for conference-leading Heat; Josh Richardson to Spurs. Plus: Dragic, Okpala, much more. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 1:48 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Trade grades for the Harden-Simmons swap. Daryl Morey just played the greatest hand of poker I’ve ever seen.
sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/be… – 1:46 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
I can promise you it’s not going to sit quite right at Toyota Center that James Harden wanting out prompted Daryl Morey and Tad Brown to leave to Philly only to get Harden there a year later. It’s going to be really wild if Eric Gordon and Mike D’Antoni are next. – 1:46 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
James Harden gets himself traded again, heading out of Brooklyn to join the 76ers in latest blockbuster trade houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 1:46 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Assuming Ben Simmons plays reasonably soon and well for Brooklyn, he’s going to be very warmly embraced by fans in part for just being engaged and present, given all the drama surrounding Harden and Kyrie. It’s a potentially great setup for his circumstances. AK – 1:45 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Full details of trade, per source:
Sixers get: Harden, Millsap
Nets get: Simmons; Curry; Drummond, 2022 1st w/right to defer a year; 2027 1st that’s 1-8 protected. If that doesn’t convey, becomes 2028 1st that’s 1-8 protected. And if that doesn’t convey, 2028 2nd and $2 million – 1:45 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Heard last night that five or six teams needed to wait for the Simmons-Harden deal to make their own deals. Could be many coming in now, (Don’t think Boston-San Antonio was dependent on Brooklyn-Philly.) – 1:43 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
So many takes to get off, but a quick one: Seth Curry has been a little rough lately but he was essential to the Sixers offense this year. Excellent chemistry with Embiid.
This is the type of deal you can move him in. With James Harden, he would’ve become much less important. – 1:42 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Kyrie, Curry, KD, Harris, Simmons, Drummond, Mills, Claxton, Sharpe, Brown, Carter, Aldridge. If they can get out of their own way, this Nets team could be the best kind of ridiculous, – 1:42 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Talking Harden-Simmons 76ers-Nets trade right now: youtu.be/aBqFhJFipWM – 1:41 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Daryl Morey got played.
Harden is clearly a great addition.
But the Nets needed defense and got an amazing defender and passer in Ben, and then Phil also tossed in a great shooter in Curry. Plus picks.
Nets are about to roll (if they remain healthy). – 1:41 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Curious what #Rockets fans think.
With James Harden now in Philadelphia, and no active connection to the Brooklyn first rounders that will convey to Houston, will you be rooting for Harden to win a title? – 1:41 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
As long as Harden stays healthy, gets fit, meshes well with his MVP-caliber, ball-dominant teammate, tries a little bit on D, commits to that over next 5yr/ $275m and doesn’t freeze up at critical moment in the playoffs, Sixers will come out fine on this trade. – 1:41 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
So, safe to say Durant is not drafting Harden for the All-Star Game tonight? – 1:40 PM
Ric Bucher @RicBucher
I’m all for player empowerment, but seeing James Harden force his way to the team of his choice *twice* in one season doesn’t feel like a positive development for the NBA overall. – 1:40 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
So in the 76ers-Nets playoff series, Kyrie Irving is only going to play on the road and Ben Simmons is only going to play at home? – 1:38 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Another connection: Seth Curry played with Kyrie Irving at Duke. – 1:37 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Sixers new starting five:
Tyrese Maxey
James Harden
Matisse Thybulle
Tobias Harris
Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/NTVxfSQUBA – 1:36 PM

Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Why are some acting like it’s the first time they learned of this Harden-Simmons deal? lol
Haven’t we discussed it all day 😂 – 1:36 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
James Harden probably won’t be at 100% capacity until next season. That hamstring is legitimately bothering him, as much as some tried to make it an effort/decline thing for him. – 1:36 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Kyrie, bruh, go get vaxxed for us.
Signed basketball fans – 1:35 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Going on @NBATV to discuss the Harden/Simmons deal with my guys @chrismilestv @Steve Smith and @Ryan McDonough at 1:40 PM ET – 1:34 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Embiid and Seth Curry had great chemistry. Can Harden and Embiid recreate some of that? – 1:34 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
With Heat leading East, Nets and 76ers agree to blockbuster trade involving James Harden and Ben Simmons. What it means for the East and more in our Heat trade deadline tracker miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 1:34 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Superstars James Harden said goodbye to in the last 4 seasons:
Chris Paul
Russell Westbrook
Kevin Durant
Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/5TeKI0Il0O – 1:33 PM

Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Apparently you don’t need an agent to force your way to a new team in a year. Harden’s probably got a lot of player reps squirming uncomfortably now. – 1:33 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Nobody has pulled off “Operation Shutdown” with better results than James Harden … ever! pic.twitter.com/Rkkl5X252H – 1:33 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Nets trade James Harden to 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, 2 first round picks sportando.basketball/en/nets-trade-… – 1:33 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Harden for Simmons
Domas for Haliburton
CJ to New Orleans
LeVert to Cleveland
We’re on our way to one of the most eventful deadlines in NBA history. – 1:32 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Gonna be fascinating to watch this KD, Kyrie and Ben Simmons experiment.
Simmons should fit with those guys on the court in a lot of ways.
Worth a shot for Sean Marks and the Nets. – 1:32 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
National media – Wow!! Harden/Simmons trade !!…now back to the Lakers – Will they move Westbrook for an all-star? Which teams have pieces that can help Lebron, but want nothing useful in return? – 1:31 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
With the James Harden-Ben Simmons deal, interesting how both the Nets and Sixers might benefit both from addition-by subtraction & addition-by-addition. – 1:31 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers Make Blockbuster Trade Centered On James Harden For Ben Simmons via @forbes forbes.com/sites/adamzago… – 1:31 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
The path through the East just got a lot tougher for the Bulls after today’s James Harden-Ben Simmons trade…
via @TheAthletic theathletic.com/realtime/5kf3i… – 1:31 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
The Philadelphia 76ers will only see their luxury tax bill rise by $5.4M by acquiring James Harden for Ben Simmons and Seth Curry.
Harden is eligible to opt in to his $47.36M player option and extend in six months for up to four years, $222.8M.
$270M over the next 5 years. – 1:31 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
Trade completely depends on what you think of Harden.
Was he just lollygagging this year to bad efficiency numbers cause he disliked BKN?
Or is did he decline because he’s a 32-y.o. guard who has, uh, very famously not the league’s best off-court conditioning habits? – 1:30 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
When healthy last season, the Nets big three were so perfect together. But the Kyrie saga happened, Harden got frustrated, Durant got injured and the mix just never hit the same this time around. – 1:30 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
RJ: “At what point in time has James Harden ever looked like he’s going to do everything it took to win?” – 1:30 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
On paper, Ben Simmons goes to a team that may be the best fit for his skillset. He can focus on defense, transition, creating. It won’t happen this year, but if Kyrie goes full-time, Brooklyn should be a very good team for a few years, which hurts those picks the Rockets own. – 1:29 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Kendrick Perkins just said on ESPN that James Harden and Kevin Durant didn’t speak “for years” after Durant chose to sign with Golden State. Harden tried to recruit Durant to Houston after the 41-41 2016 season and he didn’t even take a meeting with the Rockets – 1:29 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
Give me ALL THE FREE THROWS. Just 48 minutes of Embiid and Harden at the line – 1:29 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
The Nets gave up one of the best young centers in the league in Jarrett Allen and pretty much all their draft picks to get Harden. Just…an incredible turn of events. – 1:29 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
The Nets are 4.5 games back of a top-4 seed right now, so at least that 9-game losing streak means they’ll get four games of Kyrie Irving each series. – 1:29 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Your quick newser on James Harden becoming a 76er #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/10/six… via @SixersWire #NBA – 1:28 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The Kevin Durant-James Harden-Kyrie Irving trio ultimately played fewer regular-season games together (16) than the LeBron James-Anthony Davis-Russell Westbrook trio (18 so far). – 1:28 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Honestly, it felt like a Harden deal was gonna get done. The threat of him leaving for nothing (while a little overblown) was there. And I don’t know if the Nets could have taken that risk – 1:28 PM
Synergy Sports Tech @SynergySST
James Harden leads the #NBA in iso scoring while averaging 1.06 points per iso possession. The League average for all half court possessions dipped to 0.96 this season. – 1:28 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Crazy this actually happened, but I like it for both teams. Sixers get the superstar they’ve been holding out for. Nets recoup some cost, get assets Philly would’ve had to spend to sign Harden outright. Embiid/Harden pairing will be nasty. Simmons an interesting fit in Brooklyn. – 1:28 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Whew, JAMES HARDEN/BEN SIMMONS BLOCKBUSTER!
I’m discussing that now with @NekiasNBA, @MSchindlerNBA, @Imman_Adan, @BryanFonsecaNY, @esidery, @ethman43, @SpinDavies and more: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 1:27 PM
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
Sixers and Nets were looking at a path of mutual destruction with Harden. Better to solve it now – 1:27 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
It was 16 games of a possible 125 games that Durant, Harden & Irving played together.
Really, it was 14 1/2.
1 of the 16 was where Durant was removed early in the 3rd Q for H&S protocols & 1 was where Harden re-injured his hamstring on the first possession. – 1:27 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
It took 9 months, but the end result is the Sixers got to the trade deadline with a 32-22 record, 2.5 games out of the top seed, and acquired James Harden.
Maxey, Harden, Thybulle, Harris and Embiid, with Milton, Korkmaz, Green, Niang and Millsap off the bench. – 1:26 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Nets new squad:
Kevin Durant
Kyrie Irving
Ben Simmons
Seth Curry
Patty Mills
Joe Harris
Nicolas Claxton
LaMarcus Aldridge
Blake Griffin
Bruce Brown
James Johnson
Cam Thomas
LOADED. pic.twitter.com/fXv2u8H1ax – 1:25 PM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
That theoretical KD Kyrie Simmons fit is tremendous, not to mention Seth Curry complementing them. Drummond gives them needed size, too. 2022 pick is unprotected, 2027 pick has some protection.
With where Harden was at, Marks got it done in style. – 1:25 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Live look at Daryl Morey after completing the Ben Simmons for James Harden trade: pic.twitter.com/1vDJqH2oN3 – 1:25 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Potential starting 5 for the Nets:
Kyrie Irving
Seth Curry
Kevin Durant
Ben Simmons
Andre Drummond – 1:25 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: #Sixers agree to blockbuster deal with #Nets, acquiring former MVP James Harden for Ben Simmons and more, according to reports: https://t.co/yYcPEC3lQC #76ers pic.twitter.com/vATBfw6oGZ – 1:24 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Joel Embiid & James Harden = Best chance Sixers have had in a long time. – 1:24 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
The Nets traded James Harden and I don’t think they got worse. – 1:24 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
BREAKING: James Harden to 76ers, Ben Simmons to Nets, more #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 1:24 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
NBA trade deadline updates: Blockbuster Harden-Simmons deals changes face of East for conference-leading Heat. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Plus updates on Okpala, Dragic, more. – 1:24 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
I know it’s James Harden, but it feels like the Nets got a LOT out of that deal. – 1:24 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
TYRESE MAXEY: “im open!”
JAMES HARDEN: “…and?” – 1:23 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
Sixers lost key shooting in this deal (Curry). Could they (Daryl, Harden) be interested in Eric Gordon? – 1:23 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
The James Harden Tribute Video at Barclays is gonna win an Oscar – 1:23 PM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
Harden heads to Philly with his lowest usage rate since his 1st season with #Rockets & the highest turnover percentage of his career. Also lowest eFG % since his rookie season. – 1:22 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
As we saw a year ago, Harden gets what Harden wants. Nets going to have difficulty with that tribute video. – 1:22 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
The Brooklyn Nets will reduce their luxury tax payment by $15M by trading James Harden for Ben Simmons and Seth Curry. A total of $18M in payroll and luxury tax combination. The savings could encourage them to use their trade exceptions to improve the roster. – 1:22 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The important thing is Harden won’t have to deal with public backlash since he didn’t make a formal trade request. – 1:22 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
I still cannot believe that we never got to see what KD, Kyrie and Harden could do together. Blows my mind. – 1:22 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
James Harden lasted less than 13 months in Brooklyn – 1:22 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
james harden is a lot to give up for andre drummond but at least brooklyn got two firsts – 1:21 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
James Harden, Daryl Morey and Tad Brown all ditched Tilman Fertitta and managed to bring Joel Embiid along for the ride. – 1:21 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
James Harden will be a Sixer, and Ben Simmons is on his way to Brooklyn along with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and first-round picks in 2022 and 2027. Time for the Sixers to go contend phillyvoice.com/sixers-trade-b… – 1:21 PM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
First instinct: The Nets got a lot better with this trade. I actually think Engaged Ben Simmons for Engaged James Harden was a reasonable one-for-one swap, if either even exists anymore. – 1:21 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think Ben Simmons is going to do very well in Brooklyn. He couldn’t ask for a better situation. I don’t know if that’s going to materialize this year or next (based on Kyrie and Joe’s health), but I’d be very optimistic for their short-term future. – 1:20 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
I wrote on Monday why the Nets are a dream fit for Ben Simmons. This deal is a massive victory for him and Klutch. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can unlock new dimensions to his game. theringer.com/nba/2022/2/7/2… – 1:20 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If you could pick any players to surround Ben Simmons with in a five-man lineup, Kevin Durant would probably be your No. 1 or No. 2 pick (with Steph being the other choice), and Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry and Joe Harris would not be far down that list. – 1:19 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Simmons, Curry, two firsts and not having to pay Harden. Great trade Nets. – 1:19 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
I’ve got no skin in the game but James Harden mixing with Joel Embiid is something I truly can’t wait to see unfold – 1:19 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Nets get an elite defender in Ben Simmons, spacing with Seth Curry, and a bruiser in Andre Drummond.
AND… they recouped 2 of 4 picks they traded in last year’s Harden trade. – 1:19 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Daryl Morey after finally trading Ben Simmons for James Harden pic.twitter.com/v6p4e6Jicr – 1:19 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
If the Nets and Sixers meet in a playoff series it’s going to be wild. Harden as a Sixer, Simmons a Net. – 1:19 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
James Harden is now a Philadelphia 76er. – 1:18 PM
Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
James Harden reunited with Daryl Morey and Tad Brown. – 1:18 PM
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
Sources: #Nets are trading James Harden to the #Sixers for Ben Simmons. Seth Curry, I’m told, also in the package. No Thybulle or Maxey. – 1:18 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Morey kept Thybulle AND got Harden despite Simmons sitting out the entire season. That is masterful. He did not fold and got his guy without gutting the roster. – 1:18 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Philadelphia had offered Nets a package that included Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, a first round pick and second round pick during talks around James Harden, per source. The Athletic reports a deal has been finalized to send Harden to PHI. – 1:17 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Brooklyn Nets are trading James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons and Seth Curry, league sources tell @YahooSports – 1:17 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
The Brooklyn Nets are trading James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. – 1:16 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are finalizing trade sending James Harden for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and draft picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 1:16 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
I can’t imagine Daryl Morey allows Matisse Thybulle to get in the way of him getting James Harden. That deal is getting done. Nets at Sixers on March 10 is really going to be something – 1:15 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
If you think you can win a title with James Harden, Matisse Thybulle should not be a sticking point. And if you don’t think you can win a title with James Harden, DON’T TRADE FOR HIM – 1:13 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
In addition to the Matisse Thybulle element, source with knowledge of the PHI-BKN dynamic says Sixers have been open to including draft compensation in talks centered around James Harden deal. – 1:13 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Perk says Kyrie Irving’s lack of availability isn’t about a vaccine, that it’s a “patterin” in Irving’s career. – 1:12 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Will James Harden get traded? What about Ben Simmons? What do we think of Marvin Bagley III going to Detroit?
@Rick Kamla and @adaniels33 are getting you ready for the trade deadline and breaking down all the news right now!
🔊 LISTEN LIVE: https://t.co/AYipQpeyBw pic.twitter.com/4rjBlXJiI4 – 1:12 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
According to sources, the #Sixers are refusing to put Matisse Thybulle in the deal with the #BrooklynNets for James Harden. That’s the hold up. All other issue are agreed upon. – 1:11 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Is James Harden going to be a 76er? We’re discussing that now!
Come hang out with me, @NekiasNBA, @MSchindlerNBA, @Imman_Adan, @BryanFonsecaNY, @esidery, @ethman43, @SpinDavies and more: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 1:09 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Source with knowledge of PHI-BKN dynamic says Nets have been seeking Matisse Thybulle in a James Harden package. – 1:09 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kendrick Perkins has sided with James Harden’s desire to leave Brooklyn for Philadelphia: “Harden gave up so much that he built in Houston to come to Brooklyn.” – 1:07 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
My uninformed prediction on Harden-Simmons: it’s gonna happen, but not until the metaphorical stroke of midnight.
At like 2:53, one of the GMs is going to call the other and say “fine, you win, we’ll do your construction.” This feels like a game of chicken. – 12:54 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers were engaged in trade talks this morning centered on James Harden, league sources tell @YahooSports. – 12:46 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sources said the Sixers & Nets are willing to swap the key pieces — Simmons and Harden. However, trade discussions are hitting a snag on other pieces that will be included.
What are the Sixers willing to give up? inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 12:46 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
What are the Sixers willing to give up? That’s the question holding up a James Harden trade. inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 12:41 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final pre-deadline link roundup, with quick thoughts on why a Simmons for Harden swap is something both sides should have interest in finalizing now.
dailysix.com/morning-sixers… – 12:26 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
What are the #Sixers willing to give up? That’s the question holding up a James Harden trade inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 12:24 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Despite rumors that James Harden wants out and an NBA-worst 9-game losing streak, the Brooklyn Nets are still the favorite to win this year’s championship.
Nets, +400 (or 20% implied chance)
Warriors, +460 (17.9%)
Suns, +500 (16.7%)
Bucks, +650 (13.3%) basketballnews.com/stories/despit… – 12:22 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Reminder:
Harden can opt-in to the $47.4 million salary he is owed for 2022-23 and then demand a four-year, $223 million extension this summer.
Committing $270 million to a 33-year-old guard who hasn’t been in shape in a year and has dealt with consistent hamstring issues
Yikes – 12:18 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Woj: “James Harden wants a trade to the 76ers, I’m told. He has not told the Nets specifically that. He has a lot of trepidation about the idea of asking out of 2 teams in (back-to-back seasons).” – 12:13 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
One final plug for @Sam Amick, @John Hollinger and I’s James Harden/Ben Simmons trade primer. You’ll all be able to impress your friends at happy hour today if you give this a read: theathletic.com/3113264/2022/0… – 11:48 AM
Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
Isn’t that funny how James Harden has made it very public (apparently) That he wants to be traded, but he doesn’t want to say it publicly because of the perception of demanding trades from two different teams in two years? Apparently the concept of not going public is lost on him – 11:33 AM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
Just wanted to say James Harden formally requesting that he not be forced to make a formal trade request even though he does in fact request to be traded is peak Internet Era NBA. – 11:28 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
If James Harden had an agent, I’m guessing the reporting on this would have been a lot more favorable to him. – 11:24 AM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
James Harden has been growing that beard for over a decade in anticipation of this day – 11:19 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash said that while he hasn’t spoken to Harden about recent trade reports, he has gotten no indication from Harden that he wants to leave. “He’s not told me he doesn’t want to stay. So I’m working off our conversations, which is he wants to be here and we want him here.” – 11:17 AM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
NBA trade deadline Heat updates: Thunder may not keep KZ Okpala; Harden-Simmons could redefine East. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Plus a possible deal involving both Goran Dragic and Kendrick Nunn. – 11:08 AM
Howard Chen @TheHoChen
This sounds all too familiar to #Rockets fans
#dejavu #Harden pic.twitter.com/72AlvE4O93 – 11:03 AM

Howard Chen @TheHoChen
Harden gave Houston some absolutely great years, but the break-up was beyond messy and the way he went about it was beyond messy – 11:00 AM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
So Harden is back in New York rehabbing. Nash says he will not join team in Miami Saturday. Question of course is whether he will be joining another team. – 10:51 AM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
I would fully welcome bringing James Harden back to Houston in 2023 — but only if the Rockets trade him a few months later for four unprotected first-round picks and four unprotected first-round pick swaps. – 10:45 AM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Ben Simmons’ best season was in 2018-19 when he was the 3rd man in a Big 3 with Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler.
His fit in Brooklyn makes plenty of sense — but the Nets need a F/T Kyrie and more shooting. – 10:44 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
I asked Steve Nash if his conversations with Harden have been more casual and at practice, or organizational level with GM Sean Marks about his #Nets future. Said it’s the Former. – 10:43 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
James Harden isn’t in DC and Steve Nash doesn’t expect him in Miami vs the #Heat. #nets – 10:41 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nash said neither Harden nor LaMarcus Aldridge will join the Nets in Miami on Saturday. – 10:41 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says that Harden and Aldridge stayed home to rehab. He does not expect them to play in Miami on Saturday. – 10:38 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash again says James Harden isn’t getting traded. Adds he hasn’t talked to him about the deadline. Has no update on Joe Harris. – 10:38 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Nash reiterates he expects James Harden to be with the #Nets past the deadline. – 10:37 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says he feels the same way he did the other day — that James Harden will not be traded today. – 10:37 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Tweet from Woj in February of 2023:
“ESPN Sources: Although Sixers guard James Harden is unhappy playing alongside Joel Embiid, he has resisted making a formal trade request out of fear of the public backlash that would come with asking out of a franchise in 3 straight seasons.” – 10:32 AM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
Does Harden want to play for every franchise in the league? – 10:25 AM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Outside the Harden/Simmons stuff (which I bet will happen), Eric Gordon and Marvin Bagley would top my “surely this guy gets traded, what are we even doing here?” list. – 10:11 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: James Harden wants trade to 76ers, fears backlash from trade request nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/10/rep… – 10:10 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Hear the latest with James Harden trade rumors, Lakers struggles continue, and Jerry West joins the show at 10:30 AM ET
@talkhoops and @Amin Elhassan have you covered till 12 PM ET
🔊LISTEN LIVE: https://t.co/AYipQpw9t4 pic.twitter.com/gos895VSwS – 10:05 AM

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Text from a former NBA player this morning: “Harden gonna have a hard time getting a former teammate to introduce him at his HOF induction” – 10:02 AM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
James Harden wants a trade to the 76ers, but reportedly fears the backlash of formally requesting a trade for the second season in a row.
Trade deadline tracker ➡️ https://t.co/CPGojZlXiz pic.twitter.com/QgX0M8w61Q – 9:44 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
I can confirm James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge aren’t in DC today. Follow our trade deadline live blog for what is shaping up to be a wild day: theathletic.com/live-blogs/nba… – 9:32 AM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
On most recent Lowe Post podcast w/ @Ramona Shelburne on everything Simmons/Harden, we tried to answer (among many questions) this big one: Why exactly is James Harden unhappy in Brooklyn, and what does he want?
Spotify: spoti.fi/3HCnt3M
Apple: apple.co/34q7VC3 – 9:22 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
This is what the Nets gave up to get James Harden from Houston 12 months ago:
Jarrett Allen and
Caris Levert and
Taurean Prince and
2021 1st rd pick swap,
2022 1st rd pick
2023 1st rd pick swap,
2024 1st rd pick,
2025 1st rd pick swap,
2026 1st rd pick,
2027 1st rd pick swap. – 9:20 AM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Has James Harden somehow made Ben Simmons something of a sympathetic character in this whole thing?
That’s magic – 9:14 AM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
James Harden has wanted this deal done for a while. He trusts Michael Rubin. He trusts Daryl Morey. He wants to play with Joel Embiid. The Nets & Sixers have been engaged in talks. It’s all about posturing. As I stated before, a game of cat & mouse. – 9:12 AM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
It would seem to me that James Harden doesn’t *exactly* have a tab on the pulse of the people. – 9:09 AM
Dan Favale @danfavale
also: harden is definitely going to get backlash. already is. he chose brooklyn initially—over philly, no less. this is absurd.
but relative to how ridiculous this trade request should be, a certain someone has provided him with *more* than adequate cover for calling a mulligan. – 9:04 AM
Tom Ziller @teamziller
Heel Harden is clearly the best Harden. This is a good direction for the character. – 9:01 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Nets fans doing their best to root for James Harden and Kyrie Irving over the second half of the season pic.twitter.com/saRPAyFkxe – 8:55 AM

Dan Favale @danfavale
the idea that harden is worried about public backlash is interesting given his extremely public indifference at times on the court and the wildly public leaking of his fear of public backlash to the most prominent nba news breaker in the biz – 8:54 AM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
James Harden scared of public backlash so instead sits out games and makes his discontent known through back channels. Lame stuff. Time to look in the mirror. Never took a team to the Finals. Chris Paul didn’t want to play with him. Maybe give up the ball and problem is you. – 8:54 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Happy deadline day. We’ll know by this afternoon if James Harden will remain a Net. There’s pros and cons to a deal and more uncertainty along the way. On this entire Orion Welles/War of the Worlds-type saga: theathletic.com/3121904/2022/0… – 8:53 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I hope Sean Marks sends Harden to Sacramento in spite – 8:51 AM
Dan Favale @danfavale
congrats to harden on formally dropping his informal trade request – 8:47 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
James Harden wanted out of Houston. James Harden reportedly now wants out of Brooklyn. Among the questions Sixers brass has to ask: Is it really worth trading for—and presumably lavishing a new deal worth more than a quarter of a billion—on a player this unpredictable? – 8:45 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Hey James Harden, do you want out of your second franchise in consecutive seasons? pic.twitter.com/erTBbbGYir – 8:45 AM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
James Harden said it was “not about the money” when he did not sign an extension. If he is not traded by 3PM ET, we will find out if that is correct.
The cap space route for Philly would cost Harden between $70-$100M plus diminish a roster that he would be signing with. – 8:41 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Hahahahhaha
Harden wants to be traded but hasn’t leaked that he wants to be traded until he just leaked that he wants to be traded
the NBA is the best – 8:38 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Although Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden wants a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, he has resisted making that formal request out of fear of the public backlash that would come with asking out of a second franchise in consecutive seasons. es.pn/3swbkar – 8:36 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Rumors heating up and tons of news involving James Harden, Ben Simmons, and more. 🔥🔥
Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine are getting you ready for the trade deadline all morning long!
🔊 LISTEN LIVE: https://t.co/AYipQpeyBw pic.twitter.com/M6RvsnvCoa – 7:15 AM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
In order for today to be perfect, Sean Marks needs to hang into James Harden and Gov. Hochul needs to let my 11th grader attend school without a mask. So, no, I do not expect today to be perfect. – 6:56 AM

More on this storyline

Harden, according to sources who were in the room when it happened, was seated in front of his locker, watching Irving, and looked at Kyrie like he had three heads. “Definitely a weird vibe between them,” one source said. “You could tell Harden was annoyed, and Kyrie wasn’t feeling James.” -via The Athletic / February 11, 2022
Zach Lowe on James Harden: I have heard that he is frustrated with the lack of spacing on the team. And the reason they don’t have spacing right now is because very often two or three of their best shootersare out. -via Spotify / February 8, 2022
Dave Early: “Every team needs health, every team needs their best players…That’s not a secret. Not having KD, not having James, not having LaMarcus, not having Joe, I mean you have four starters out? That’s obviously a problem. But that’s not an excuse….” -Blake Griffin -via Twitter @DavidEarly / February 7, 2022