James Harden’s conversation with Brooklyn just won’t go away.
But Nets coach Steve Nash insists he is not part of it.
General manager Sean Marks made a point of saying that the organization works collaboratively, but when Nash was asked what kind of conversation he had with his boss about the possible exchange for Harden, he said he had none.
“I didn’t have any conversations about him,” said Nash before the defeat on Friday Christmas Day in Boston at TD Garden. “So, you know, we definitely work closely. I don’t have any conversations or alerts, so maybe that says it all. “
Harden made it clear that he not only wants to leave Houston, but prefers Brooklyn as a destination. The Nets are among the teams that have had recent commercial discussions with the Rockets, and ESPN reported that Houston is still trying to find a third team to help facilitate the deal by providing the missing young star in Brooklyn.
With Houston less than fascinated by what Brooklyn can offer (Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, etc.) – and the Nets looking so sharp they don’t have to yield to extortionate demands – Harden seems to realize that his first choice may not be readily available. He reportedly added Bucks, Heat, Trail Blazers and Friday’s opponent, Boston, to his list, according to The Athletic.
Brooklyn has no interest in exchanging Kyrie Irving for Harden, and there is no indication that the Rockets are even interested in the All-Star point guard, who started the season in top form.
Whether the Nets are trying to get their price or genuinely looking to stand their ground and let it roll with their current squad, Nash was shy about any potential involvement in the negotiations for the three-time NBA scoring champion.
“We are excited about the players we have. We look forward every day to try to improve. For me it has been a blast, learning a lot and enjoying working with our guys, ”said Nash. “Nobody consulted me about the possibilities.”