New York (AFP)
The Brooklyn Nets confirmed the arrival of James Harden to their ranks on Thursday, believing the signing of the Houston star would help the franchise reach the top of the NBA.
Harden, 31, will find two other big stars in Brooklyn: winger Kevin Durant, with whom he played three seasons (2009-2012) in the Oklahoma City Thunder, and point guard Kyrie Irving.
"Adding a player like James to our squad will allow us to perform even better against the best in the league," Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks said in a statement.
“James is one of the most prolific scorers in the league and we are delighted to welcome his talents to Brooklyn,” he added.
The NBA top scorer of the past three seasons has been expressing his wish to leave Houston in recent weeks, which he joined in 2012.
The divorce with the Rockets had become inevitable in recent hours, Harden having alienated his now former teammates, criticizing the level of the team Tuesday night, coming out of a second straight defeat (117-100) against the Lakers.
Still, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta paid tribute to his former player on Thursday.
"On behalf of our franchise and the city of Houston, I would like to thank James Harden for these incredible eight seasons in the Rockets' colors," said Fertitta.
"We wish him the best and will always be grateful for the memories."
© 2021 AFP