In an interview with Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports, Adam Silver discussed the optics of the James Harden for Ben Simmons trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

“Players forcing their way out of situations is not new in this league. It’s important to have that context,” Silver told Yahoo Sports. “I’d love to find a way where to the extent there’s player movement, it didn’t happen in that fashion.”

Harden was accused of exaggerating a hamstring injury that is continuing to keep him out of the lineup with his new team, while Simmons hasn't played all season.

“I accept that there will always be conversations behind closed doors, when teams are unhappy, or players are unhappy, [but] the last thing you want to see is for these issues to play out publicly,” Silver said. “One of the things that I continue to do in my role is to think about ways we can improve the system.”

Silver was asked to expound on his comments the next day in an interview with ESPN.

"First of all, you always hope those situations don't play out publicly," said Silver. "I recognize there are situations where guys are unhappy, or teams are unhappy with them. But ideally when players want to get traded, or teams are preparing to make moves, those are conversations they have confidentially with players, they have confidentially with other teams.

"Obviously, in this case, it not only played out publicly, but it's been playing out before the season even began. Particularly with Philly."