Sources say that the Brooklyn Nets have dismissed James Harden’s interest in Philadelphia 76ers.

When Philadelphia 76ersDaryl Morey, president of basketball operations, reached out to Brooklyn NetsSean Marks was the general manager. They began their meeting with the usual greetings of NBA executives on January 11.

What do you think of our roster? Here are the people I like on my roster.

Finally, Morey acknowledged the true intent of his call.

“What about James?”

“James who?” Marks replied.

The Nets have two James — JohnsonAnd Harden.

“James Harden.”

Marks replied flatly, “No,”

Sources told ESPN that this exchange occurred four weeks ago and represents the only direct communication between Morey, Marks, and Marks this season. Although the conversation was brief, messages were exchanged in both directions: The Sixers had plans to pursue Harden and the Nets did not intend to surrender.

There are three days left before the trade deadline and this is where the dialogue remains. Yes, Morey can still call Marks by phone this week. Joe Tsai, the Nets’ owner, has a strong relationship with the Sixers’ ownership group. Communication can be had on that level as well.

At the moment, Harden’s unclear intentions are the main axis that could change in the Nets’ complex partnership with him. Harden is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following this season. While he continues to tell his Nets teammates and coaches that he is committed long-term to Brooklyn, his actions away from the court indicate some ambivalence.

Harden hasn’t had a agent in many years, but Lorenzo McCloud, his business manager, is there. Harden was looking to leave Houston in the 2020 season so he hired agents Jason Ranne at Wasserman and Chafie Fields at Wasserman. Houston Rocketsin order to facilitate a trade. Sources said that they played a crucial role in getting Harden to New York, but the relationship was cut off in March 2021.

Sources told ESPN that Harden and his manager are looking for an agent to help them navigate the situation. This could be free agency, a sign and trade to leave the Nets at the end of the season, staying on a current deal or a trade before Thursday’s deadline.

Harden was considering signing an extension last year, but he dealt with it in the same way as his previous two Houston deals: He discussed the pros and cons of each contract iteration with the National Basketball Players Association. Because he was a great player, he didn’t need to negotiate and he didn’t want to pay an agent’s commission. He could choose his max contract from a menu in the same way that someone might pick an HMO plan.

Harden signed no extension with the Nets. He told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that he was eager to be a free agent, his first in his career. He stated that he was only focused on winning a championship in Brooklyn.

This season has not lived upto those expectations. Kyrie IrvingDue to his COVID-19 status in New York, he has been a part time player Kevin DurantBrooklyn dropped to seventh in Eastern Conference after a streak of eight consecutive losses.

After a disappointing four-point performance in the loss to Sacramento last Wednesday, Harden has been forced to sit out the two previous games due to a hamstring injury.

Brooklyn believes the injury is a legitimate hindrance in Harden’s playing right now. An MRI Saturday confirmed tightness. Sources said that Brooklyn is trusting Harden’s word that he will continue with the franchise.

But, even though he claims he’s committed, it’s not as convincing to show it. Harden hasn’t done this in a while. Harden’s basketball play this season has been dispassionate and frustrating. It could have been injury-related or just plain pathetic.

Harden’s private grumbling about Nets players, coaches and the organization has spread throughout the league. However, those who have worked with him previously know that this is how it goes during difficult times. Nearly everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Harden in the NBA knows that he is quick to blame others, and rarely himself.

The Nets leadership believes that the season’s momentum will change when Durant returns, possibly after the All-Star break. Harden and Irving are less burdened. Sources said Durant still holds significant influence over the organization but isn’t telling Marks and Tsai what to do at trade deadline. Sources say Durant still wants Harden but wants a committed Harden.

In private, both the Sixers and Nets feel they have significant leverage in Harden’s case. The Sixers would like to offer a spartan trading package that goes beyond the exiled star. Ben SimmonsThey fear the Nets could lose Simmons for nothing in the summer. The Nets would like to acquire Simmons and a large package. Philadelphia cannot acquire Harden unless it unloads significant talent as well as draft assets in order to create salary-cap space for free agency. The Sixers currently have $133 million in their books for 2022-23, so it would be necessary to sell several draft picks and players to make the space available for him.

“Why would Brooklyn settle for anything less than the assets Philly would need to unload their contracts and create this space this summer?” ESPN was asked by a former NBA GM.

The Sixers (32-21) are a strong team behind the MVP candidate. Joel EmbiidTheir resolve to wait for Harden, if not at trade deadline, then during the offseason, seems to have been strengthened by this. Sources say that Harden has told the Nets that while he wants to stay for the long-term two people — Michael Rubin, a Sixers minority owner, and Morey — think Harden is interested playing in Philadelphia.

These are high-stakes games that involve leverage between teams. Failing to act first can wipe out an advantage. There are three days left before the NBA trade deadline. The question is: Will Philadelphia make another call and push the Nets into a surrender on James Harden.