NBA Rumors: Harden Wants Trade, But Is Fearful Of Public Backlash

As the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets "definitely" continue to haggle through "backchannels" over a possible Ben Simmons/James Harden trade, the word now from NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski is that Harden does indeed want a trade, but is fearful of the public backlash.

ESPN Sources: Although Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden wants a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, he has resisted making that formal request out of fear of the public backlash that would come with asking out of a second franchise in consecutive seasons. https://t.co/My5XljBlI1

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

"Although Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden wants a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, he has resisted making that formal request out of fear of the public backlash that would come with asking out of a second franchise in consecutive seasons," says Woj.

He also insists that Sixers GM Daryl Morey and Nets GM Sean Marks haven't directly had discussions, but as fellow ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst has revealed, all the talks are happening through "backchannels" and the like.

Woj says that Morey and Marks should indeed get involved today, but that both teams are right now "measuring the risk-reward of a Harden deal."

Bleacher Report's Jason Dumas reports that the latest "hopeful" packages include Seth Curry and Matisse Thybulle going to Brooklyn along with Simmons in a package that includes Harden and Patty Mills. 

The Philadelphia 76ers are ‘hopeful’ of a trade package involving James Harden, Patty Mills and Bruce Brown, per @JDumasReports

The Brooklyn Nets would like a trade package of Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Matisse Thybulle and Andre Drummond pic.twitter.com/X4f7WYHkif

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 10, 2022

This will undoubtedly change several times throughout the day until the 3pm deadline. Stay tuned.