Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash insists James Harden will stay with Nets

By Adam Stites | Last updated Feb 6, 2022 2:53 PM ET

Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash wanted to make one thing clear Sunday with the trade deadline just four days away: James Harden isn't going anywhere.

In a press conference, Nash said he's had conversations with Harden that confirmed the 10-time All-Star wants to stay in Brooklyn and that reports otherwise are just "noise from the outside world." Nash then definitively clarified that Harden will not be traded this week.

.@SBondyNYDN to Steve Nash: "I don't want to misinterpret you, but it sounded like you guys are not trading James Harden."

Steve Nash: "Yes. That is correct."
— Kristian Winfield #NFTAllStar (@Krisplashed) February 6, 2022

The Nets entered the 2021-22 season as title favorites, but the team's 125-102 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday was its seventh consecutive loss. Brooklyn is now 29-23 on the year and has slid to sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

While Harden was acquired by the Nets in January 2021 to form a trio with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the three stars have hardly played together. Due to a combination of injuries and Irving's fight against the COVID-19 vaccine, the trio have all been on the floor together for a grand total of 16 games across two seasons.

On Friday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Philadelphia 76ers and Nets planned to discuss a trade involving Harden and disgruntled 76ers point guard Ben Simmons.

Adam Stites

Adam Stites is a Southern California native who lives in a new state every three months. He’s perennially disappointed by both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona State Sun Devils. His dog is named Ramsey after the best cornerback in the NFL

More must-reads: