During the latter part of the 2020-21 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets boasted one of the most formidable lineups in the league. With superstars James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant leading the charge, Brooklyn emerged as a powerhouse, finishing second in the Eastern Conference standings. However, their journey ended prematurely after a tough loss in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite the setback, Harden remained with the Nets alongside Irving and Durant, until his departure in February 2022 when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden’s decision marked a pivotal moment for Brooklyn, a team seemingly poised for a championship run, only to face another playoff disappointment.
Amidst shifting dynamics, fans in Brooklyn reflected on the team’s unraveling, especially with Durant moving to the Phoenix Suns the following season. In a recent revelation, Irving shared previously undisclosed insights into Harden’s exit from the Nets.
Irving discussed Harden’s trade request during a live stream, providing context for what seemed a promising season for the Nets. Despite the team’s strong position, Irving highlighted underlying issues affecting Harden that ultimately influenced his decision to leave.
“It shocked a lot of people. It shocked me. I was talking to James one day, saying we were about to win these championships, and then a day later, he asked for a trade. I understood completely,” Irving shared during his stream.
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Irving’s perspective on Harden’s departure
During a video review where Durant discussed his time in Brooklyn, Irving shed light on Harden’s decision to leave the Nets. Irving expressed his understanding of why Harden chose to depart, especially during a critical time when the team was vying for an NBA championship.
“He was at a crossroads in his career, uncertain about what his future would hold regarding contracts and opportunities,” Irving explained. “He was highly sought after by numerous franchises, so it was unexpected to see him leave like that.”
Harden’s performance with the Nets
Over his two seasons in Brooklyn, Harden was a key contributor to the franchise’s statistics. His performance during that period caught the attention of multiple teams, as he was contemplating his career’s trajectory at a pivotal juncture.
In 80 games played, with 79 as a starter, Harden averaged 23.4 points per game. He also recorded averages of 8.2 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game, with a free-throw conversion rate of 86.3%. These impressive stats, combined with contributions from Durant and Irving, gave the Nets a strong outlook. However, the dynamics shifted unexpectedly.
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