There were many problems throughout James Harden’s stint with the Brooklyn Nets. James Harden joined Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to form a superteam after being traded to the Nets. Evidently, the Big 3 were expected to guide the Nets to an NBA Championship.
James Harden was only used as an experiment for one and a half seasons until the former NBA MVP demanded a trade before the NBA Trade Deadline. Many people thought Harden’s strained connection with teammate Kyrie Irving was the main factor behind his desire to leave the Brooklyn Nets.
Thus, Harden’s request for a trade was granted and he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal involving Ben Simmons.
James Harden on Kyrie Irving joining Dallas Mavericks
Despite their denials of any allegations of hostility between the two former teammates, James Harden and Kyrie Irving appear to be at odds with one another. It became apparent lately when Kyrie disparaged James Harden while discussing Kevin Durant’s recent injury. Speaking of Irving, he surprised the NBA community once more by asking the Nets for a trade. Irving requested a trade, and in a sensational deal, he was sent to the Dallas Mavericks.
Numerous NBA players responded to it, as it was one of the greatest deals in recent memory. However, when asked for a response to the news, Harden tried to dodge the question and provided a cold reply.
“It’s a trade that happened,” Harden said.
James Harden not expansive on his former teammate Kyrie Irving's being traded to Dallas:
"It's a trade that happened."
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) February 6, 2023
Even if James Harden won’t say it, there seems to be some resentment between the two. After all, James Harden became an easy target for the majority of the Nets’ problems during his time with the team. All the while, Irving dealt with his off-court difficulties and played a few games this season.