Steve Nash Says Nets Aren't Trading James Harden amid 76ers, Ben Simmons Rumors

Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash had a one-word answer when asked if the team is considering trading James Harden ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline: "No."

Nash all but deadened any hopes opposing teams—specifically the Philadelphia 76ers—had of the Nets breaking up their Big Three before making a run at a championship this season.

Harden's name has been increasingly bandied about in trade rumors ahead of the deadline, with a Harden-for-Ben Simmons deal taking center stage. The Sixers have been attempting to trade Simmons since the offseason but have found no takers willing to meet their asking price of a star in return.

Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has been attempting to acquire Harden since last season, offering Simmons in a trade package that arguably set off Simmons' falling out in Philadelphia. The three-time All-Star has not played a game this season and seemingly has no plan to ever play for the Sixers again.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported last week that Simmons has been fined more than $19 million for failure to render services.

Morey has a relationship with Harden dating back to their days with the Houston Rockets, while Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin also has an off-court friendship with the Nets guard. It's worth noting Harden originally wanted to be traded to Brooklyn over Philadelphia when he made his request to move on from the Rockets.

However, Harden's year-and-a-half stint in Brooklyn has not been smooth sailing to championships. Both Harden and Kyrie Irving were injured for much of the 2021 postseason, leading to the Nets' elimination by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round.

Irving has missed the majority of the 2021-22 season and may not be eligible to play in home playoff games because of his refusal to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Durant is currently out of the lineup with a knee injury and is not expected back until after the All-Star break.

With Harden able to become an unrestricted free agent this summer—and yet to commit to remaining in Brooklyn long-term—there was natural speculation as the deadline approached. Nash squashed that Sunday.