James Harden said he felt like he was the MVP of this season following his 44-point game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

"Do I feel like I belong in it? I feel like I am the MVP. I mean, it's just that simple. I don't want to be speaking individually on myself. I am just going to leave it at that," said Harden.

Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 11.5 assists in 30 games with the Nets.

The Nets are 24-7 with Harden on the floor.

"Numbers are showing it for itself, and we're winning. That's all I can say," Harden added about his MVP case.

Harden currently has the fifth best odds at +900 to win the MVP at Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill.

No player traded during a season has won the MVP for that same season in league history.