Houston Rockets trade James Harden to Nets in 4-team blockbuster deal, ESPN reports
ABC 13 Houston
6 days ago
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, sources tell ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
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 forward 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.
Houston GM's Rafael Stone's return of picks -- including four unprotected first and four unprotected pick swaps -- is one of the strongest draft packages in league history. Oladipo's on an expiring contract and Rockets can make a decision on moving forward with him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
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 practice.
Here is some of the best stuff from Cousins on Harden, "we feel a certain kind of way about his actions" & "the disrespect started way before any interview - just the approach to training camp, showing up the way he did." #Rockets #HardenBye pic.twitter.com/qfoZCu4Vrz
— David Nuño (@DavidNunoABC13) January 13, 2021
RELATED: James Harden and the Houston Rockets are at a breaking point
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 a trade impossible.
RELATED: Houston Rockets 'willing to get uncomfortable' with James Harden, source says
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.
RELATED: James Harden fined $50,000 after club video surfaced, sources say
The video featured above is from a previous report.
This story is developing. All updates will be added to this article.
ABC 13 Houston
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