Nets head coach Steve Nash told reporters multiple times in the past week that James Harden wasn't going to be traded, but he was indeed dealt to the 76ers, confirming multiple reports that had been swirling as the trade deadline neared.
Nash still insists that at the time of his comments refuting the reports, Brooklyn had not had any contact with Philadelphia about a potential deal.
"You'd have to ask Sean [Marks]," Nash said after Thursday's loss to the Wizards. "I wasn't up there with him, I was down there focusing on the team. I think we were all just focusing on the group, trying to improve the group and weather this injury storm, and leaving that to the front office.
"I think as the hours ticked by today, it seemed more apparent. You're never surprised. But when I was asked those questions, there was no conversations between the two teams."
Nash also said there were never any conversations about Harden's reported unhappiness in Brooklyn, which reportedly included a frustration with Kyrie Irving's status as a part-time player and Nash's player rotations.
"I have not talked to James about unhappiness, other than typical, day-to-day 'how can we make this team better?'" Nash said.
But Nash did reach out to Harden after he learned of the trade that will bring Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond to town.
"I reached out to him," Nash said. "Just to tell him best of luck."
The Nets desperately need their new reinforcements after losing their 10th game in a row on Thursday, and while he isn't sure who will be available for Saturday night's game against the Heat, he does expect most of the newcomers to be with the team by then.
"I think there's a good chance Seth and Andre join us. I'm not sure they'll play, but they can join us in Miami," Nash said. "Ben has a lot more physical and onboarding stuff since he hasn't played, but hopefully we can meet those guys and get them around the guys in Miami."
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