James Harden: I’ve Got A Lot To Prove This Year
James Harden described his first Nets season as a ‘whirlwind’, and says he plans to stay in Brooklyn going forward.
“Last year was a whirlwind for me individually as far as my health and playing,” James Harden said.
“So this year I feel like I need to come back and show I am one of those [elite] guys. So I’ve got a lot to prove myself, and that’s all I’m worried about and focused upon.
“I love it here, myself and [Brooklyn owners] Joe [Tsai] and Clara [Wu Tsai] and [GM] Sean [Marks] and the front office and [alternate governor Oliver Weisberg] and [head coach] Steve [Nash]. From top to bottom the communication has been unbelievable, it’s been amazing. I feel at home. It’s nothing to worry about. For me individually I just want to focus on this year and that’s it.”
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The Brooklyn Nets lost their first game of the season 127 – 104 to the Milwaukee Bucks. After the game, James Harden was asked about his contract situation. He did not sign an extension before the October 18 deadline.
Harden can now opt-in to his $47.4 million contract in 2022. As a result, he can then sign a $223 million, four year extension in free agency next summer. In the last year of that deal, Harden would earn $61.8 million, making him the first player in history to earn over 60 million in a year.
So when Harden says he’s not concerned about his contract, believe him.
Read: LeBron James Won’t Limit Minutes In Pursuit Of Championship High
“Honestly, I’m just focused on getting healthy, getting my body right and then preparing for a great season,” Harden said. “The contract, the money is going to be there.
“I don’t plan on leaving this organization and the situation that we have. So my focus, honestly, is just focus on the season and then winning the championship. The contract and all that stuff will bear itself out, but my focus is going to be locked on this season.”
