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Brooklyn Nets star James Harden laments the way things went down in Houston.
Harden sat down with ESPN's Rachel Nichols to discuss the events leading to his trade from the Rockets to the Nets, as well as his outlook on Brooklyn's future.
“The Beard” apologized for how the situation devolved but said he felt he had to do what was necessary for his basketball career:
“I apologize for how it went down, but I guess I had to do what I had to do in order to get where I wanted to go,” the Nets shooting guard told Nichols, via ESPN's Tim MacMahon. “It ended up the right way. I just didn’t like how that month or two played out.”
James Harden sits down & opens up about his new role in Brooklyn, what he didn't like about his departure from Houston, and the Nets' championship chances: "We're more than confident that it's going to be difficult for a team to beat us four times in a best-of-seven series." pic.twitter.com/rZKkwFs1jg
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 12, 2021
The Harden saga seemed to take new twists and turns almost every other day.
Everything seemed to capitulate when Harden did not show up for the start of Rockets training camp, instead deciding to party with recording artist Lil Baby in Las Vegas. Harden eventually showed up to camp and seemed to say all the right things about head coach Stephen Silas. But things were simmering beneath the surface. He would be traded to the Nets a month ago tomorrow.
John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins were among those to question Harden and his dedication in the days leading up to the trade. Harden was essentially obstinate in his demands, and his effort began to decline after a sizzling start to the season.
Ultimately, Harden got his wish when the Rockets dealt him to the Nets. Still, the second-best player in franchise history wishes things had been more amicable.
