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“I just want James Harden to be happy”: Kyrie Irving addresses rumors linking Rockets star to the Nets in first media availability

Samir Mehdi
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“I just want James Harden to be happy”: Kyrie Irving addresses rumors linking Rockets star to the Nets in first media availability

Kyrie Irving talks about James Harden’s interest in Brooklyn in his first media availability of the 2020-21 NBA season.

James Harden and Kyrie Irving have most certainly have had the most ‘drama-filled’ offseason. The former has been dealing with wanting to get traded away from his home of 8 years, while the latter is in a feud with the media.

Kyrie Irving started off team practices and the NBA preseason by saying that he will not be addressing the media until further notice. This was so that reporters do not misconstrue what he is saying, and twist his words.

Also Read: ‘I think I have to take back my statement’: Kyrie Irving revises stance on Nets’ head coaching situation after playing under Steve Nash

However, it is every NBA player’s obligation to speak to the media during practices and NBA games, as they are the connection between the player and the outside world.

After suffering a fine to the tune of $25,000, Irving has agreed to speak to the media.

Kyrie Irving discusses the ‘Harden to Nets’ rumors

James Harden recently released a list of teams he would prefer being traded to. The Brooklyn Nets seem to be on the top of that list. ‘Harden to Nets’ rumors have been circulating for almost 2 months now.

Kyrie Irving finally took to the media to talk about various topics, however, his comments on James Harden stuck out. Kyrie said, “We can’t control these rumors. We wish him well. We have to focus on our players.”

“James is a great player. I just want him to be happy and secure in who he is as a man first, and then as a basketball player.”

Is James Harden set to leave the Rockets for the Nets?

If the Houston Rockets had received a trade package that was worth the value of ‘the Beard’, they would’ve pulled the plug.

Also Read: ‘I’m only a pawn from what I’m told’: Mike Breen ravages Kyrie Irving’s statement while praising Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker

However, it seems as though no team has offered up a package that was glaringly obvious for the Rockets to accept. This includes the Brooklyn Nets, as the Rockets reportedly want either KD or Kyrie to be included in that package.

This is something the Nets will most certainly not do, which makes the chances of Harden to the Nets slim.

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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