James Harden issues a bland response to Kyrie Irving’s move to Dallas Mavericks 

Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden didn't have much to say about former teammate Kyrie Irving's trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Harden issued a bland response when asked about the move, saying (via Stefan Bondy):

"It's a trade that happened."

The Nets reportedly traded Irving to the Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick (2029) and multiple second-rounders (2027 and 2029).

Harden and Irving played together for the Brooklyn Nets for a year. Harden asked for a trade at the previous deadline and secured a move to the Philadelphia 76ers. Reports suggested Irving's absence due to his anti-vaccination stance hampered the locker-room environment, which drove Harden out of Brooklyn.

The Nets entered the 2021-22 NBA season as favorites, and with Harden, Irving and Kevin Durant on the floor together, they looked nearly unstoppable. However, the three did not feature regularly enough and the Nets underachieved.

"The Beard" is now pursuing his first championship in Philadelphia, having teamed up with Joel Embiid. If anything, James Harden would be relieved to see the Brooklyn Nets hit this roadblock as they looked like legitimate challengers for the title with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving healthy.

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James Harden's shot at postseason success with 76ers improves following Kyrie Irving's trade to Dallas

The Eastern Conference has never looked more competitive. The Brooklyn Nets were as one of the legitimate contenders alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

However, following Irving's trade, the Nets lack star depth. They have surrounded Kevin Durant with some of the most talented role players, but it likely won't be enough for postseason success.

James Harden and the 76ers will likely be pleased with Kyrie Irving's trade to the Mavericks. Philadelphia has surrounded Harden and Joel Embiid with one of the best rosters the team has had in a while. The 76ers are vying for the top spot in the East with a 34-18 record, which is good for third in the standings, 2.5 games behind the top-ranked Celtics.

With a team like the Nets that seemed like the best in the league for a brief stretch potentially out of contention, Harden and the Sixers will be hoping they take advantage of the situation and embark on a successful playoff run.