Harden labels Philly his top choice one year on

Since moving to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, when it appeared that this suited all parties involved in the deal, James Harden has now spoken out since joining new side Philadelphia 76ers.

At the time, Harden was at the Houston Rockets though became available for trade with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers both being two of the finalists.

It was thought that Harden ultimately chose the Nets, though the player has recently revealed that this was not the case.

Decision out of Harden’s hands

Harden has been keen to make sure his side of the story has been heard commenting: “When I was going through everything I was going through in Houston, Philly was my first choice.

“It just didn’t happen. Just details I don’t really want to get into with the Brooklyn situation. I just knew for a very long time that this was a perfect fit. We have the best big man in the league in Joel. The coaching, just top to bottom, it made sense.”

When taking a follow-up question that intimated why he did not move to Philadelphia if that was the first choice for him, he asserted: “I wish it worked like that.

“But organizations have to do what’s best for their team, present and future. It didn’t work like that and I had to go to Brooklyn, which obviously we all know that could have been something special, but whatever reason was for that. So here I am today.”

 

No major reason for wanting to leave the Nets

The player, when pressed also insisted that there was no particular reason why he wanted to leave the Nets, though did say that teammate at the time, Kyrie Irving’s unvaccinated status did not have anything to do with it.

“Very minimal,” Harden elaborated when asked about the impact that this had on him.

“Honestly, me and Kyrie are really good friends. Whatever he was going through or still going through, that’s his personal preference. But it definitely did impact the team because me, Kyrie, and KD on the court and winning covers up a lot of that stuff. It was unfortunate that we played 16 games out of whatever it was, but it is what it is.”

It appears though, whatever happens next, Harden has his preferred move locked down – who knows what news might emerge in another 12 months.