James Harden: ‘I’m not planning on leaving’ the Nets

MILWAUKEE — James Harden isn’t going anywhere. At least that’s what he says right now.

Harden and the Nets did not agree on a contract extension by Monday’s deadline, which means the superstar guard is set to enter unrestricted free agency next summer. Harden, however, squashed any idea that he may be unhappy in Brooklyn or set to leave Kevin Durant for another franchise in the near future.

“The contract, the money is going to be there. I’m not planning on leaving this organization and the situation that we have,” he said after the Nets’ blowout loss to the Bucks on opening night. “So my focus, honestly, is just focus on the season and then winning the championship. The contract and all that stuff will work itself out, but my focus is going to be locked on this season.”

Harden said he didn’t sign an extension because he wanted to focus on getting healthy, getting his body right and preparing for an 82-game season, plus a long playoff run.

“Last year was a whirlwind for me individually, as far as my health and playing,” he said. “So this year I feel like I need to come back and show I am one of those ones. So I’ve got a lot to prove myself and that’s all I’m worried about and focused on.

“I love it here. Myself and [Nets owner Joe Tsai, Clara Wu-Tsai, general manager Sean Marks 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.”

Harden was eligible for a four-year contract extension worth $161 million. By waiting until next summer, he has put himself in position to earn a supermax extension worth $227 million that could make him the NBA’s first player to earn $60 million in a single season.

Harden was also named one of the NBA’s 75 greatest players of all time. Kevin Durant was also placed on the list, as was Nets head coach Steve Nash.

“(Seventy-five best players) Ever? Wow,” Harden said when made aware of the list. “Where I come from, man, even just to be in the NBA was like a far-fetched dream. To be an NBA basketball player was unheard of. And then not just making it but sustaining it was a different type of mountain you’ve got to climb. And then to be one of the best basketball players is a whole different mountain. It’s just a testament to the work I’ve put in and continue to put in until I can’t play anymore.

“Obviously, I haven’t reached the ultimate goal, which is a championship, but that’s what keeps me working and going hard every single day. That’s the end goal. When I get to that point, work doesn’t stop. I’ll continue to work and continue to strive until I’m not able to play this game anymore.”