Over the last 24 hours, there have been a number of rumblings surrounding the future of star Nets guard James Harden. Today, reports have surfaced that Harden is not satisfied for a variety of reasons, from not liking living in Brooklyn, to being frustrated with Kyrie Irving’s part-time status
After giving up an incredible amount of future assets to acquire Harden, including Caris Levert, Jarrett Allen, and essentially their entire cupboard of first round draft picks, it is fair for Nets fans to worry that the organization mortgaged their future of a player that does not want to stay in Brooklyn long-term.
While the truth to all of these rumors can be debated back and forth, one thing can be sure to incentivize Harden to stay with the Nets: winning. If Brooklyn wins a championship this season and gives Harden his elusive ring, it would most certainly go a long way in enticing him to follow Kevin Durant’s lead and sign an extension.
Ever since the Nets had a dream offseason in 2019 and inked Durant and Irving to four-year deals, the organization has been in win now mode. While Durant was rehabbing for the 2019-20 season and last year’s playoffs ended in disappointment following the post-season injuries to Irving and Harden, the pressure to win a championship this season, in a contract year for the most recently acquired third star, is at an all-time high. There are no more excuses for Brooklyn. It does not matter that Steve Nash is an experienced coach or how many injuries there have to the rotation players, in the eyes of the fans and potentially in the eyes of James Harden, it is now or never. The only thing left to do is for General Manager Sean Marks and Nash to compile the best possible rotation for playoff success and maybe Harden will buy-in and stay in Brooklyn for years to come.
