James Harden thinks his role with the Brooklyn Nets isn't going as expected.
The 32-year-old has grown frustrated with his Nets tenure, a source told The Athletic's Alex Schiffer. Harden reportedly expected to share duties with fellow stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn but believes he's been shouldering the offensive load - similar to his role with the Houston Rockets.
Harden is reportedly also not pleased with Irving only playing in road games due to his refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, Irving's readiness to compete when available means that this hasn't become as significant of an issue, a source told The Athletic.
On paper, Harden appears the most responsible among the Nets' Big Three for leading the team on the floor. His 33.6% usage rate ranks as the highest on the roster and is also in the 93rd percentile among all players in the league who frequently run the point, according to Cleaning the Glass.
However, that percentage pales in comparison to his most usage-heavy season in Houston, when he posted a 43.9% rate in 2018-19.
Harden's supposed frustrations could lead to an early end to his Nets tenure. The nine-time All-Star declined to sign an extension during the offseason, potentially in favor of signing a more lucrative contract as a free agent this summer.
However, the Nets are reportedly considering trading the 2018 MVP before the Feb. 10 deadline to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that would involve Ben Simmons.
