There have been conflicting reports regarding James Harden’s trade availability, with multiple reports indicating the Nets are discussing potential deals with the 76ers, while Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash says Harden isn’t going anywhere.
But NBA insider Kevin Smith says that rival teams believe a deal between the two teams is “getting close.”
Per Smith, the Nets and Sixers have “put other trade talks on hold” while they sort through a deal. Smith didn’t specify the players that would be involved, but multiple reports have indicated that the headliners would be Harden and Ben Simmons, who hasn’t played yet for Philadelphia this season.
Harden has reportedly been unhappy with his situation with the Nets, thanks to Kyrie Irving’s part-time status and head coach Steve Nash’s rotation choices, but Harden himself has been putting up some of the worst offensive numbers of his career, while the Nets have lost nine in a row. Harden is currently nursing hamstring tightness and has missed the last three games.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Sixers are convinced Harden would leave Brooklyn after the season, but are motivated to get a deal done to have Harden for their own title push.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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