Report: Here's How The Sixers/Nets Conversation About James Harden Went

As the Ben Simmons Saga starts to blend with the James Harden Drama, word last week was that the Nets were now open to discussing a trade before Thursday's trade deadline. Today, multiple sources are reporting that the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets did have one conversation about a Simmons-for-Harden deal.

But that chat came almost one month ago, and according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, when Sixers president Daryl Morey and Nets GM Sean Marks spoke, it went like this: 

"What about James?"

"James who?" Marks responded.  

"James Harden."

"No," Marks said flatly.

And that's it. The one single conversation that the Sixers and Nets have had about a Simmons for Harden swap. In fact, sources say that is the ONLY time Morey and Marks have communicated this season. 

Harden, who doesn't have an agent currently, is looking for some representation in order to navigate his next big move, according to Shelburne and Woj: "whether that's free agency, a trade to leave the Nets after the season, staying on a new deal or even a trade before Thursday's deadline."

The Beard can become a free agent after the season, and he has said he's looking forward to it. 

Although Harden has repeatedly said he's focused on staying and winning in Brooklyn, recent chatter from insiders close to him insist he's definitely looking to move on, and is unhappy in Brooklyn. 

Harden's play, in fact, also suggested his questioning of his situation there. As noted by Woj and Shelburne, "at times this season, Harden has played dispassionate and disappointing basketball -- perhaps injury-related in some instances, perhaps pouty in others."

James Harden has had arguably his most lethargic and disinterested performance as a Net (2 points, 6 turnovers, 1-of-8 shooting).

Unfortunately for the Nets, Kyrie Irving has also had a poor showing (14 points, 5-of-14 shooting).

— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) February 3, 2022

After word came out that the Nets were now open to discussing a Harden trade before the deadline, head coach Steve Nash addressed the situation this weekend, with a one-word answer. It appeared that was the end of that. 

But yet, the questions remain about James' future in Brooklyn, and his intentions when he becomes a free agent this summer. It's at that time that Morey is expected to try to swing a sign-and-trade with the Nets, sending Simmons in return for Harden. 

With 3 days until the deadline, and the Nets at risk of losing Harden in the offseason, Woj and Shelburne ask the question: "Does Philadelphia place another call and truly push the Nets to consider a surrender on James Harden?"

We'll know soon enough.