Everyone can agree that James Harden is a superstar of the NBA. Forming a crucial part of the Brooklyn Nets’ big three, Harden has been consistently playing his required role as a playmaker and a scorer. In fact, he’s so consistent that he almost averages a triple-double in points, assists and rebounds.

However, all is not well in Brooklyn. With franchise centerpiece, Kevin Durant, out due to injury, and star guard Kyrie Irving only available for away games, the load that Harden has had to carry has been immense. Furthermore, as the trade deadline nears, a possible trade scenario involves the Nets receiving Ben Simmons and the 76ers receiving Harden has emerged. Adding fuel to the fire, a recent video featuring Kevin Durant has resurfaced where he is seen praising Ben Simmons.

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The resurfaced video

An old video featuring Kevin Durant showed up on Twitter amidst the James Harden trade rumors. In the video, Durant can be seen passing compliments to 76ers’ star guard Ben Simmons.

“He’s something I’ve never seen before as far as really playing the point guard, you what I’m saying? That height and that speed and that strength,” said KD.

Furthermore, KD added that Simmons wasn’t afraid to show his ‘feisty’ side and this could benefit Philly in the future.

In Conclusion

The video featuring Kevin Durant praising Ben Simmons has created a stir in the NBA community. Additionally, a report released at the end of January 2021 revealed that Harden was unhappy with the Nets and cited several reasons to explain how he felt.

Notably, the Nets’ latest loss to the Nuggets has put them on an 8 game losing streak, and Harden has not featured in 4 of those 8 games.

As the Nets continue to lose, their chances of winning the title are reducing and they continue to fall in the Eastern Conference standings. Moreover, even if the Nets were to not win a ring this season, Harden would feel a sense of failure since he is the only one without a ring among the big three.

Maybe a trade for Simmons can benefit Harden as he will then form a one-two punch with Joel Embiid in Philly, and be reunited with his former Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey. But only time will tell the fate of the ‘Beard’ as the trade deadline closes in.

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