Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
James Harden is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after forcing a trade out of Brooklyn this season, but he was singing a different tune to Kevin Durant before the 2021-22 season.
According to The Ringer, the guard reassured the forward that he would sign an extension to stay in Brooklyn long term, after they went on a trip to Greece.
Harden was away from the team until January because of Irving's decision to remain unvaccinated, meaning he wasn't able to play home games until this past week.
It put a bigger burden on Harden to carry the team because of the absence of KD. The Nets went through a brutal stretch between December 30 and February 10.
It wasn't like it was a separation between us as individuals. I felt like we liked each other and he was focused on the team. I can not control how people feel about their situation. I can provide what I can. If it helps someone, it's cool, but I can't stress myself out wondering how somebody else feels about the situation.
Harden's frustration is at least somewhat merited. Irving acknowledged that Durant was annoyed at times with his unavailability to play due to his unvaccinated status.
Irving said that he spoke to him about it.
While Harden and Durant were drifting apart, Irving and Durant kept in touch with each other over the phone while Irving was away from the team.
There was a lot of change between the summer and February trade deadline. Harden is hoping his partnership with Embiid will lead to a title. While enjoying their time together, Kevin and Irving want to win a championship together.
Even though he was out of the lineup this year, Kyrie is still a huge part of it. It is one of those obstacles that have been fun to climb over.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
