The Houston Rockets have reportedly granted James Harden’s wish, trading their MVP-level superstar to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Rockets have agreed to send Harden to his desired destination as part of a complicated four-team deal that also involves the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
Houston will get Brooklyn’s three unprotected first-round picks in 2022, 2024, and 2026, as well as pick swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027. The Rockets will also get Cleveland’s 2022 first-round pick that the Cavs acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Houston’s haul also includes players from the Cavs, Nets, and Pacers, headlined by Indiana’s former All-Star, Victor Oladipo.
The Rockets will acquire:
- Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, who is being traded to Houston in exchange for forwarding Caris Levert, whom the Rockets acquired for Harden.
- Cavaliers guard Dante Exum
- Nets forward Rodions Kurucs
The Rockets have yet to make the trade official.
The report comes after Harden did not practice with the Rockets on Wednesday.
Coach Stephen Silas just told reporters it’s best for everyone involved that Harden stayed away from the practice.
Holding Harden out of game action would be the final step in any trade as the Rockets will protect him from an injury that would make trade impossible.
The Rockets have held firm in their demand for young talent and a group of first round draft picks in exchange for Harden. Everyone in the NBA understands the time to make an offer is now.
