James Harden and the Nets began a new season on Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after Harden's deadline to sign Brooklyn's three-year, $161 million contract extension had passed.
But even as the former MVP begins his first full year with the Nets without a long-term deal secured, it doesn't mean he has any intention of playing elsewhere after this season.
"Honestly, I've just been focused on getting healthy and getting my body right and preparing for the season, for a great season," Harden said after Brooklyn's 127-104 loss to the Bucks on Tuesday night. "The contract and money is going to be there. I don't plan on leaving this organization and the situation that we have. So my focus is focusing on the season and winning a championship. The contract and all that stuff will play itself out as it should, by focus is definitely locked in on the season."
By declining to sign an extension, Harden will now be in line to sign an even bigger deal this offseason, and he plans to earn it after going through a team change last year and nagging hamstring troubles that bled into the playoffs. After leading the league in scoring for three straight seasons, Harden saw his scoring drop from 34.3 to 24.6 points per game last year, and is focused on health and improvement rather than a contract at this point.
Listen to New York sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Nets team gear
"Last year was a whirlwind for me individually, as far as my health and playing," Harden said. "So this year, I feel like I need to come back and show that I am one of them ones, and I'm one of them guys. So I've got a lot to prove for myself, and that's what I'm focused on."
Nets general manager Sean Marks had expressed optimism that both Harden and Kyrie Irving would be locked up with contract extensions before the start of the season. Irving's future with the franchise has been muddied by his refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but for Harden, he doesn't believe his denial of signing his extension is any indication that he will be anywhere else come next year.
"From top to bottom, the communication has been unbelievable, it's been amazing," Harden said. "I feel at home. It's nothing to worry about. I think for me individually, I just want to focus on this year. That's it."
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
