NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Major Reason Behind James Harden’s Potential Exit From Brooklyn Nets

Published 02/05/2022, 7:45 AM EST

Brooklyn Nets lost their seventh straight game in the NBA as they lost to Utah Jazz on the road. The Nets are now 2-8 since Kevin Durant’s absence. Not just the free fall in the league, but the Nets fans are also worried about the future of James Harden, who could leave the team in the coming days. The Athletic has reported that Kevin Durant might be the reason behind Harden’s departure.

Brooklyn Nets continue to struggle as they lost their 7th straight game, the longest active losing streak in the league at the moment. James Harden has failed to step up in the absence of the Slim Reaper, who is out injured. No NBA team has ever won the championship after a 7+ losing streak in the league.

According to reports, the Nets are open to a potential Philadelphia 76ers trade. They are reportedly ready to offer James Harden in exchange for Ben Simmons. However, the reason behind potentially trading James Harden is reported to be Kevin Durant.

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Kevin Durant, the reason behind the Nets potentially trading James Harden

Shams Charania of The Athletic recently reported that the Nets are open to trading James Harden to the Sixers. They could potentially get Ben Simmons in exchange for Harden. The report also stated that the Nets don’t want to waste Durant’s prime years. Additionally, James Harden’s playing style is another concern for the Nets.

“Along with the potential of improving the roster depth, the Nets appear in need of change in what is a critical year in Kevin Durant’s prime, with a player option looming for Kyrie Irving in the offseason and with the organization’s championship expectations,” Shams Charania reported on The Athletic.

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“But beyond availability, sources say there have been growing concerns over Harden’s playing style — one of dominant ball-handling and his own pace from his MVP and All-NBA days in Houston — that contrasts with the free-flowing, organic approach from his two co-stars.” [h/t phillyvoice.com]

James Harden joined the Nets last year in early January after requesting a trade back in November 2020. He played 36 games for the Nets and averaged 24.6 points per game. However, now he is in the headlines once again after being linked with a move away from Brooklyn to Philly.

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Kevin Durant was one of the top candidates for the MVP award. But he got injured and things have been on the downhill since then for the Nets. Moreover, now Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have overtaken KD in the MVP ladder.

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Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. A Football Management graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and the AFC Champions League. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more championships in store before the former retires.

NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Major Reason Behind James Harden’s Potential Exit From Brooklyn Nets

Kevin Durant, the reason behind the Nets potentially trading James Harden

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