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Former Rockets star James Harden seems to be non-committal relating to a possible contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets. The 32-year-old guard has a participant choice to enter free company in 2022.
In a brand new interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Harden stated:
Over the course of my profession, I’ve by no means been a free agent earlier than. I’ve at all times simply been loyal, simply signing a contract extension and being there. I simply wish to take my time with it.
It’s going to be very, very tough to depart right here, however… and even to depart Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. I feel this season, I simply wish to concentrate on profitable a championship, and every little thing else will work itself out.
James Harden, partially, on his contract extension: “I am simply taking my time with it. You already know, I feel over the course of my profession I’ve by no means been a free agent earlier than… I feel this season I simply wish to concentrate on profitable the championship.”
Full @SportsCenter dialog: pic.twitter.com/8lQQTYoyyE
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 29, 2021
The long run implications for Houston are doubtlessly very important. For starters, the Rockets personal six future first-round draft belongings from Brooklyn — the picks themselves in 2022, 2024, and 2026, and the proper to swap picks (if Brooklyn’s choose is healthier) in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Clearly, the long-term outlook for the Nets would worsen if a perennial All-Star and up to date MVP is now not on the roster.
Second, Houston is poised to have lots of salary cap room within the years forward. Harden has made it clear since leaving that he still shares a strong bond with Houston — and if younger constructing blocks like Jalen Inexperienced and Kevin Porter Jr. grow to be stars, it’s not inconceivable that Harden may need some curiosity in a Rockets reunion down the road. Having the cap flexibility to simply make that occur can solely assist these possibilities.
For now, Harden is in a loaded state of affairs with Durant and Irving in Brooklyn, with the Nets getting into the 2021-22 season as NBA title favorites. But when issues don’t go as deliberate, “The Beard” seems to be leaving the door open to a possible change down the street.
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