James Harden wants the Brooklyn Nets to trade him to the Philadelphia 76ers. Whether or not a deal gets done by Thursday’s trade deadline is a different story.

Harden hasn’t made an official trade request because he’s afraid of the resulting public backlash for doing so, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, but it’s no secret that the guard is hoping to reunite with 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested Wednesday that Harden has been trying to force his way out of Brooklyn.

There are conflicting reports regarding if the two teams have engaged in serious trade talks, though they are expected to have discussions before the deadline.

Kevin Durant might ultimately stand in the way of a deal. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Wednesday on “NBA Countdown” that Durant wants himself, Harden, and Kyrie Irving to compete for a championship this season.

The Nets have fallen No. 8 in the Eastern Conference standings with Durant out because of a knee injury. Irving can only play in road games because he hasn’t complied with New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Ben Simmons would be the centerpiece of a deal for Harden. The 76ers would have to send at least one more player to the Nets, and that could prevent a trade from being made during the season.

If the Nets keep Harden, he’s expected to try and force his way to Philadelphia in the offseason. Harden can become a free agent, but Philadelphia is not on track to have enough room under the salary cap to sign Harden. Brooklyn and Philadelphia could agree to a sign-and-trade involving Harden and Simmons this summer.

Harden has missed Brooklyn’s last three games with a hamstring injury. There’s speculation that the All-Star isn’t actually hurt and only trying to force a trade. Harden had a lifeless performance the last time he stepped on the court, scoring four points with glaring defensive lapses.

Harden had similar poor games last season when he was trying to get traded from the Houston Rockets. Houston eventually dealt the 32-year-old to Brooklyn in January 2021, making the Nets favorites to win the championship.

Brooklyn has been favored to win the 2022 NBA Finals all season.

Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Kevin Durant
Kyrie Irving celebrates with his Brooklyn Nets co-stars James Harden and Kevin Durant during his season debut against the Indiana Pacers on January 5, 2022. Getty Images/Jason Miller
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