On February 12, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season continued. In a blockbuster deal reached yesterday, the Nets sent Harden and Millsap in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Drummond, an unprotected 2022 first-round pick and a protected 2027 first-round pick.
With the deal, the story behind the deal has been constantly revealed. According to the famous Ramona Shelburne, Harden sat on two hands on the issue of leaving the team. He kept telling bossEsa Choi Chong-shin and manager Max that he wanted to stay in the team for a long time, but at the same time asked the player's agent about the strategy of joining the 76ers. Max and Tsai often communicate with Harden, but Harden never reveals to them the message he sends to the outside world.
Ramona Shelburne wrote: "In response to questions from Tsai and Max, Harden kept saying' Don't believe any rumors, and if there's a problem, I'll tell you directly.' Harden's non-aggressive strategy has made the Nets always think there is no need to trade him, and the Nets have always believed that when Durant returns, Harden will change his mind. ”
Ramona Shelburne then wrote that after Harden made an online conference call with the Nets, it was agreed that Harden would not play again before the deadline. Before the deadline, Harden left the Nets and returned to Houston to await the final result. So the Nets understand that a trade is imperative, but because competitors in the market understand Harden's ideas, there are no other competitors, which makes it difficult for the Nets to get the return they want in this deal, and finally have to make a deal with the 76ers.
It is worth mentioning that since scoring 4 points against the Kings, Harden has not played again because of hamstring problems. In the final game before being traded, the Nets lost to the Green Army by 35 points, and in that game, Harden came to the sideline in civilian clothes. Now it seems that this scene has become a farewell to Harden and the Nets teammates.